August 5, 2025
Cebu City Fire Volunteers proudly participated in the 11th Annual ISAR (International Search and Rescue) Conference and Exhibition.
It was an inspiring and educational day learning alongside public safety leaders from around the world—including Canada, the Philippines, India, the United States, Malaysia, Poland, and more.
Following a full day of seminars, I had the honor of serving as the Logistics Sector Chief during a simulated 7.2 magnitude earthquake disaster scenario. The exercise proved incredibly valuable, especially for newer responders gaining hands-on experience in a high-pressure environment.
This is just the beginning. Several days of training remain, with Cebu City Fire Volunteers leading a large-scale, real-life scenario at Mactan International Airport on the final day of the conference.
Training saves lives. I’m reminded of my early days volunteering with the Chicago Fire Department, where Captain Pat Maloney (now, an honorable ret. Battalion Chief) instilled in all of his crew the importance of daily drills and constant preparation. His motto still rings true: Train for the worst. Expect the best.
I’m incredibly blessed to lead my own fire, rescue, and EMS crew — and with that privilege comes responsibility. Continuing my education and training is not just important, it’s essential.
Leadership in this field isn’t just about showing up — it’s about showing up prepared. That’s why I make it a priority to learn from the best, train with purpose, and surround myself with teams who share the same commitment to excellence and service.
The mission is simple: be ready, stay ready, and always strive to do better — because lives depend on it
