The Philippine Army’s 525th Combat Engineer Battalion (525CEBn) has achieved Full National Accreditation as a Medium Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, becoming the first unit in the country to earn the distinction under the National Accreditation Process.
The conferment ceremony, held at the Headquarters Philippine Army on June 26, marked the culmination of a 100-day assessment campaign under the theme “One Mission, One Standard.”
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete praised the unit’s disciplined training, rigorous preparation, and strict adherence to national standards, noting that the accreditation enhances the Army’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies and disasters.
“This recognition is a testament to the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation in strengthening the nation’s collective disaster-preparedness and response capabilities,” Lt. Gen. Nafarrete said.
Looking ahead, he challenged the 525CEBn to pursue international accreditation in line with the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) standards.
“As soldiers, our duty goes beyond defending the nation from external and internal threats. We are also called upon to protect and assist our fellow Filipinos during calamities and crises. Every risk we take, every effort we make, and every sacrifice we endure is for the safety, security, and preservation of human life,” he added.
The 525CEBn’s accreditation positions it as a national benchmark for operational excellence in disaster response, further reinforcing the Philippine Army’s commitment to safeguarding communities during crises.