Lapu-Lapu plans to fund ERUF

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City Government is planning to give financial assistance to the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation Base 2.

The city council has adopted a proposed resolution authorizing Mayor Paz Radaza to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with ERUF.

The city government will allocate P4 million for the operation of ERUF Base 2 in the city.

The city council invited lawyer James Abadia after some members wanted to be enlightened about the proposed Memorandum of Agreement.

ERUF is presently based in barangay Banilad, Cebu City but they decided to put up Base 2 in Lapu-Lapu City because the late Lawyer Richard Sison was one of the top officials of the foundation.

Former Lapu-Lapu City mayor and now Congressman Arturo Radaza had described ERUF volunteers and paramedics "unsung heroes," praising their dedication to service and commitment to save lives.

ERUF received several awards from private and government organizations for its outstanding service and dedication to the community.

The foundation was born after the Edsa Revolution in the 1986, when all heads of local government units (LGUs) were replaced with officers-in-charge.

The FREEMAN learned that the foundation has its roots from the old Mandaue Emergency Rescue Unit (Meru), founded by the late Mandaue City Mayor Demetrio Cortes, the father of Mayor Jonas Cortes.

The late mayor had envisioned Meru to provide emergency medical and rescue services to Mandaue City residents.

When the political administration changed, Meru staff members were eventually replaced.

But some committed professionals and displaced paramedics did not want to see the dedicated group go to waste.

They decided to form Eruf. This time, it was a non-government organization led by Dr. Herminio Cortes, the son of the late mayor Cortes. (THE FREEMAN)