“We serve...so that others may live.”
This has always been the battle cry of Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF), a battle cry that has echoed endlessly through decades of continued selfless service to the citizens of Cebu. On its twenty-fifth (25th) anniversary, ERUF has stayed true to its mission to provide a safer and more peaceful community through the service-oriented paramedic assistan
ce propelled by the spirit of volunteerism. Through the years, ERUF has been a reassuring presence in times of accidents and calamities; helping those in need and saving lives through a vast network of medical, rescue and rehabilitation, pre-hospital, and training services. The founding members of ERUF were former members of the emergency rescue arm of the Mandaue City Fire Department which was later known as Mandaue Emergency Rescue Unit or MERU; this emergency rescue unit was founded by then Mandaue City Mayor, Hon. After the EDSA Revolution in 1986, MERU members were replaced with new personnel due to a change in the administration; these displaced paramedics, together with other concerned citizens, formed ERUF to address the rescue and emergency needs of Metro Cebu. ERUF went through a crucible as it started with little monetary assistance available at the time. But the passion to save lives pushed the members to look for ways and means: equipment and vehicles were either restored junk materials or donations from generous supporters. The paramedics who worked in the initial stages went with no compensation at all; this reflected ERUF’s commitment to give its best no matter what the cost. Through the trying times ERUF continued to serve to be what it is today having modern vehicles and equipment like fully equipped trauma vans, fire trucks, search and rescue apparatus, a number of communication equipment, extrication equipment, and more than 10 ambulances strategically located in different parts of Metro Cebu. Cebu and Lapu-lapu City governments have a formal arrangement with ERUF to provide free emergency medical assistance to residents for a subsidy. Though ERUF is blessedwith monetary and non-monetary support of the government & of generous people, but the growing demands to keep a disaster-ready city still proves how ERUF continuously need support. Since 1986, ERUF has matured in memberships, achievements, experience, and assets. It has grown in terms of volunteers and members, the expansion of the scope if its services which is continuously being upgraded and the continuous effort to achieve and sustain financial stability. Its efficiency and compassionate service has received numerous accolades and citations from different local, national and international agencies. But the recognition comes second to ERUF’s only satisfaction: to provide a safer community through a service-oriented paramedic institution and ERUF is committed to continue to declare what it has always declared from the beginning: “We serve...so that others may live.”
