“Bad things do happen in the world, like war, natural disasters, disease. But out of those situations always arise stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. “
― Daryn Kagan
Rescue Recon 1 Philippines, Inc., also known as Rescue Recon, is a non-stock, non-profit organization who envisions an emergency and disaster prepared countrymen. It was founded with the intention of not only rescuing people in times of natural disasters or calamities, but also educating the general public on how they can be prepared and how to act accordingly in an emergency situation.
While Rescue Recon was officially established in 2013 in the wake of the devastating Typhoon Yolanda, the people behind the organization have long been engaged in emergency and disaster relief volunteers since the early 90s with its roots bearing from the group known as Seagull Rescue & EMS International, Inc.
When Typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Philippines on November 10, 2013, rescue personnel and volunteers from all over the world gathered to save lives and help those stricken by the disaster. The Rescue Recon team was sanctified by no less than the US Pacific Command under RADM Mark Montgomery of the CTF70 on board the USS George Washington of the US 7th Fleet which bounded Filipino men and women volunteers under the banner of “One Mission, One Team”.
The team continued to volunteer in disaster operations such as in the cases of Typhoons Ruby, Lando, Chedeng, Ompong, and others. The experience while working together led Rescue Recon to affirm its commitment in helping our countrymen in times of disasters and calamities.
By 2015, Rescue Recon registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to establish a training school specializing in emergency medical response and technical rescue.
A year later, it began its operations providing courses such as Emergency Medical Training (EMT), Emergency Response Training (ERT), Basic Life Support (BLS), among others to produce competent and dedicated rescuers and responders. It also provided quality emergency preparedness training and consultation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, non-government organizations, security agencies, educational institutions and various corporate entities.
In order to maintain quality teaching and skill transfer, Rescue Recon actively collaborates with local and international organizations to be up-to-date with the latest practices and innovations in the disaster management and emergency medical services industry.
In 2018, Rescue Recon was officially confirmed by the Philippine Navy Affiliated Reserve Unit (PNARU) as its 27th Naval Affiliated Reserve Group (27th NARG) specializing in technical rescue – the first in the country’s armed forces.
Since the inception of the organization, its campaign has reached more than 5,000 individuals equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond throughout the country. Today, Rescue Recon is one of the leaders in technical rescue and emergency medical services training in the Philippines, offering cost-effective regular short-term and customized courses.