If you reside in Metro Cebu, there are three numbers you have to remember in case of emergency – 161.
Yes, dial 161 on any landline and the call will be answered by somebody from the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF), which is going to celebrate its 25th year of existence next month.
Those using cellular or mobile phones can dial (032) 2339300.
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ERUF is a non-government organization that has the slogan “we serve so that others may live.”
Although I am not in all activities of the ERUF, this is one organization that I am very proud to be a part of as you can witness how its leaders and volunteers are performing real public service without desire for accolade or even a mere pat on the back.
I am not saying that the ERUF is lacking in accolade as several individuals and institutions have also come forward to help the foundation continue serving not only the people of Cebu, but also in other parts of the country when disaster strikes.
ERUF has also served as a springboard for many Cebuanos to land jobs as paramedics in other parts of the country and the world.
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The Silver Anniversary celebration of ERUF is set on September 11, which incidentally is also the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the United States.
As part of the celebration, the ERUF 161 Run starting and finishing at the Mandaue Reclamation Area across Parkmall.
There will be 12-K, 6-K and 3-K events with registration fee of P250 for all distances.
While many opt to join races because of the nice singlets and the prizes at stake for the winners and those lucky in the raffles, the race has a bigger purpose, which is to raise funds for the purchase of defibrillators, which will be put in the ERUF ambulances.
Hermie Cortes, who heads the operations group of ERUF, said that the foundation needs about five more defibrillators for its ambulances.
These cost about P500,000 each.
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If you sign up for the ERUF 161 Run, you are really helping save lives.
Registration centers will be at the three ERUF bases. Base 1 located along Arch. Reyes Ave., Base 2 at Lapu-Lapu City Hall, and Base 3 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
I got involved with ERUF several years ago also due to a sports event when a golf tournament was held to raise funds for a training building.
Each time I visit Base 1, it always makes me smile to know that in my little way, I was able to help put it up.
Later, Dr. Pek Eng Lim, the chairman of ERUF, asked me to join their firefighting training and the rest in history.
Many Cebuanos know how much ERUF is a part of our lives. I hope that we would also take pride in the fact that ERUF is actually the best in our country.
So, join the run to support the best and show your Cebuano pride.
Then you can say that you will run so that others may live.
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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings to sports editor Emmanuel Villaruel, who turns a year older today.
Tomorrow, my wife and I will be celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary.
I would also like to extend happy birthday greetings to my fellow Sambisig Jun Turingan, who is turning a year older tomorrow.
More power to all of you! – THE FREEMAN