Makati Rescue Team cited for excellence

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded a plaque of recognition to the Makati Rescue Team for its excellence in responding to emergency situations.

Ret. Col. Victor Pagulayan, executive officer of the Makati City Disaster Coordinating Council, received the citation plus the P20,000 cash reward on behalf of the Makati Rescue Team headed by Councilor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr.

Pagulayan said the Excellence in Disaster preparedness National Award was given by the National Disaster Coordinating Council as part of the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay lauded the Makati Rescue Team for its achievements in disaster preparedness and response through its various search and rescue operations in Metro Manila.

"We thank the NDCC for recognizing the efforts of the Makati Rescue Team which was created with a vision to have a well-trained and well-equipped search and rescue team capable of responding to any emergency situation," Binay said.

Binay said the creation of the Makati Rescue Team in 1992 was an offshoot of the city government’s commitment to protect the public.

Binay also noted that the Makati Rescue Team was recognized as the first rescue unit who responded to the Payatas trash-slide tragedy last year, during the bombing incidents at SM Megamall and at the Dusit Hotel, during the train accident in Muntinlupa last year, and in numerous vehicular accidents in Metro Manila.