Wilderness Search And Rescue Philippines

08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day from Wilderness Search And Rescue (WISAR) Philippines!

To our sister rescuers at WISAR Philippines and all the strong Filipinas out there breaking barriers, we see you, we salute you, and we are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you on every operation!
Grit, skill, and heroism know no gender.

Tag a remarkable woman in the comments below who inspires you with her strength! 👇

15/01/2026

The Traslacion (literally, transfer) or the feast of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno commemorates the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene from Reccollect Church in Intramuros to its present shrine, Quiapo Church 400 years ago. The Church commemorates it annually every 9th of January. The original image was enshrined in a church which once stood near the Quirino Grandstand, the Church of San Juan Bautista of the Augustinian Recollects in Bagumbayan, Luneta.
The present celebration transfers the image from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo church.

The Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines was formed in 2013. Starting 2014, WISAR has been involved every year, putting up aid stations and providing medical care to devotees who may faint or suffer injuries during the course of the procession. This year was no different. Led by WISAR Metro North Chapter with the full support from other WISAR chapters and national officers, WISAR once again volunteered its services. A total of 86 members signified, set up camp one day before the start of the procession and prepared what was needed. This was not only because of the willingness to help but for several of the members, this is an annual pledge, an act of faith, a panata. And this will continue. As long as there are those who need help, the Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines will always be ready to answer the call.

The pictures below capture some of the scenes during the translacion showing members of WISARPh doing what they do best.


Doki Natividad
Ian Borja Full
Ted Everest Doc Esguerra
WISAR Philippines - Metro North Chapter
Geenie Lou Duarte
Nayn Rañola

02/12/2025

Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines bids adieu to Elvis “Octagear” Silang. He was not just a brother and a friend. Elvis was a staunch supporter of trainings and humanitarian activities that had to do with saving lives. He was there not only for local activities but even international ones such as when Wisar had member-responders in Turkey, Myanmar and when we had international speakers in Malaysia.

Farewell brother. Rest easy. We shall meet again at the other side. Though tears have been shed, more than these, we shall forever keep your memory alive in our hearts.

Till we meet again.

24/09/2025

Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines (WISAR Ph), in partnership with the Department of Health – Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development, through its Health Promotion Unit, conducted a Training-Orientation on Water Safety Rescue and Basic Life Support last August 20–23, 2025.

The training was spearheaded by the WISAR Laguna Chapter, led by Marvin Felipe, with members Rashed Navarro, Rochelle Felipe, Trye Delos Reyes, Bryan Mendoza, Dennis Contreras, and Kevin De Jaro.

This initiative aimed to strengthen and enhance the knowledge on disaster preparedness and resilience, particularly during floods and other water-related emergencies. It also sought to foster competence, prudence, and a proactive culture of safety within the communities.

Participants from different Barangay Officials, MDRRMO staffs, Mahatao LGU, Philippine Coast Guard, Fisherfolks, and Community Volunteers were equipped with critical life-saving skills and a deeper understanding of their roles in safeguarding their communities. The training contributes to enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience at the local level by ensuring that responders and volunteers are both competent and confident in responding to emergencies.

For WISAR, the true success of the training was not measured by applause, but in the hope that every lesson shared would ripple across the waves—saving lives for years to come.

22/09/2025

The ManCom conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) with the Governors and Vice Governors of Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines from Metro North, Metro South, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Bicol, Tarlac, Cataduanes, Palawan and La Union chapter.

Thank you to Sir Kenneth for presenting the weather outlook.

The ManCom reminded everyone to prepare and stay alert for the possible impacts of Super Typhoon Nando, and to be ready for deployment to affected areas. Responders were also reminded to secure their families first before responding to any operations.

19/07/2025

Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines proudly served as the official marshal team for this year’s Rescue M.A.R.C.H. Challenge — not only taking charge of on-ground coordination, but also contributing behind the scenes during critical planning and preparation stages.

WISAR worked hand-in-hand with organizers to help ensure a safe, smooth, and impactful event.
In addition, two WISAR teams participated in the 15-kilometer march from MMDA to UP Diliman, embodying resilience, discipline, and unity in service.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the RMC Directors for the trust and confidence you placed in us:

Founder/Director Martin Aguda Jr.
Director Ted Esguerra (WISAR Founder)
Director Buboy Lagunday (WISAR Founder)
Director GM Lanozo (WISAR Executive Vice President)
Director Lito De Leon
Director Lester Zafra
Director Nelson Dy

It is an honor to serve alongside fellow responders and leaders who share the same vision of preparedness, strength, and solidarity.
Together, we move as one — READY, WHEN THE WORLD BREAKS.

12/07/2025

Thank you RMC for the trust and confidence!

We’re proud to announce that WISAR Philippines is the official Operations Support Group for Rescue M.A.R.C.H. Challenge 2025!

With their expertise WISAR PH brings unmatched skills, dedication, and field readiness—ensuring safety, coordination, and rapid response throughout the event.

Together, we march stronger for disaster preparedness and resilience!

19/06/2025

Wishing a very happy birthday to President Doki Natividad. Salute to your leadership and unwavering dedication that you foster within the organisation.

Our warmest wishes for your special day and may the year ahead be filled with lots of joy and blessings! 🎂🥳

15/04/2025

Welcome Home to Our WISAR Family!

We proudly welcome back our WISAR members, instructors, and founder who recently returned from their mission as part of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) to earthquake-stricken Myanmar.

Though they served under different agencies during this deployment, their dedication, courage, and compassion in the face of adversity embody the very spirit of WISAR.

Their efforts in this international humanitarian response make us incredibly proud and serve as a powerful reminder of the values we stand for volunteerism, resilience, and service beyond borders.

Welcome home, and thank you for inspiring us all!

ANG BAWAT ISA AY IISA!

15/04/2025

As part of this year’s goal to enhance skills and strengthen capabilities, our WISAR volunteers underwent intensive training in the essential principles of swiftwater and flood rescue last february 10-12, 2025.

This program equipped them with the necessary skills to operate effectively in challenging water environments.
The training covered key topics, including:

✅ Hydrology and water dynamics
✅ Aggressive and defensive swimming techniques
✅ Throwbag rescues
✅ Tensioned diagonal systems
✅ Tethered swimmer rescues
✅ Shallow water wading techniques
✅ V-lower rescue systems
✅ Downstream backup systems
✅ Inflatable rescue boat handling and capsizing procedures
✅ Shore-based rescue techniques

Beyond technical skills, the program focused on building confidence in swiftwater operations while reinforcing the importance of efficient and well-coordinated flood rescue strategies. The skills acquired by participants are directly applicable to real-world rescue scenarios, enhancing WISAR’s capability to respond effectively and efficiently to hydrometeorological hazards

—a constant threat in the Philippines.
With continuous training and skill enhancement, we move closer to a more resilient and capable emergency response force, ready to serve communities in times of crisis.

Thank you WISAR Philippines - Bicol Chapter for initiating this activity!
ANG BAWAT ISA AY IISA!

14/04/2025

Take Emergency Response Beyond the City!

Join the Wilderness Life Support and Austere Medicine Workshop by WISAR PH and master essential survival, rescue, and medical skills in the great outdoors!
Topics covered are to be discussed by field experts including:
✔ Dr. Ted Esguerra
✔ Gerard Natividad
✔ Dr. Roy Joseph Trinidad
✔ Michael Odiongan
✔ Pol Rivera
✔ Maricon Vargas
✔ Dr. Jodes Coates
✔ and many more.

Interactive activities to practice your skills in wilderness setting.
Scan the QR code or click the link below to register. See you there!

Note: This workshop is open to all, individuals from various fields and interests can attend regardless of their medical background.

Link: https://forms.gle/vjdE9YogAhgkpHhP7