Dutch gov't pledges more support to ERUF

CEBU, Philippines - The Dutch government has committed to give more support to the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF).

Mario Schoondeswoerd, a fire chief in Holland, said his group were impressed by how ERUF personnel and some newly trained barangay disaster brigade members in the 27 barangays presented their simulated Rescue of fire-air crash and vehicle extrication exercises last Sunday morning at the Reclamation Area of Mandaue City.

Schoondeswoerd said his country will donate more equipment to ERUF in the next 25 years in particular in the area of climate change.

"They have very good training and speed and close coordination with their counterparts in the local government unit," said Mario Schoondeswoerd, a fire chief from Holland when asked to comment on the activity marking ERUF's silver anniversary.

ERUF has been serving the needs of people in Metro Cebu since 1986 and most of its equipment came from Holland particularly from the city of Haarlemeermeer.

The Dutch visitor and five other firemen from Holland were also impressed by ERUF's maintenance of a 25-year old fire truck that was donated by Schoondeswoerd's group.

"We are discussing what we can support maybe in the area of climate change, particularly on public health," he said.

ERUF is the brainchild of then Mayor Demetrio "Boy" Cortes, the father of incumbent Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Mayor Boy Cortes formed the Mandaue Emergency Rescue Unit, the forerunner of ERUF to provide emergency medical and rescue services to Mandaue residents. — THE FREEMAN