UPRI Leads the Rescue M.A.R.C.H. Challenge in UP Diliman

On July 19, 2025, UPRI conducted the Rescue M.A.R.C.H. (Mass Assembly for Rescue and Care for Humanity) Challenge alongside the march’s core team. Representing UPRI were Executive Director Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, Institution Building (IB) division Chief Science Research Specialist Jose Abraham Ongkiko, Junior Project Assistant Franklin Joshua Gali, and representatives from the institution’s various divisions. Martin T. Aguda Jr. led the Rescue M.A.R.C.H. core team in the preparation for this event as the march’s founder and lead convener. Joining him were the RMC Board of Trustees consisting of Lito De Leon, Dr. Teofredo “Ted Everest” Esguerra, Glenn Mark Lanozo, Nelson Dy, and Lester Zafra. The Wilderness Search And Rescue (WISAR) Philippines, founded by Dr. Esguerra, served as the main marshals coordinating and providing communications during various points of the march. Co-organizing this event was the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMCDA) and the Office of Civil Defense – National Capital Region (OCD-NCR). Joining the march was an estimated number of 500 individuals consisting of participants from various LGUs, private organizations, and members of the UP Community. This event celebrates the various emergency operators in our country through a test of endurance, coordination, and disaster response capabilities.

This event consisted of two major sections, the first being the section from the MMDA Headquarters (HQ) located in Pasig City to the UP Diliman Portal located at Magsaysay Avenue. Following this was the second section from this aforementioned portal to the National Science Complex Amphitheater. Participants had the option to start joining this march at either of these two major sections. For those starting at the MMDA HQ, teams would consist of groups of 7 while those joining in the second section would await by the UPD International Center. All invited participants were encouraged to bring their own emergency response equipment to feature their organization’s proficiencies. The entire challenge covered a total distance of 15.96 kilometers, with the section within the UP Diliman campus spanning 3.6 kilometers.

Multiple preparations began early in the morning at these locations in order to ensure the smooth flow of the march. Various organizations joined together to prepare food, drinks, and emergency services on standby. Major landmarks passed by these participants in the UP Diliman section were the Academic Oval and UPD Oblation. As participants neared the final location, groups were enjoined to conduct a “Mogadishu Walk” where one of the members would be carried on a spineboard to showcase their endurance and practices. During breaks and intervals, photo opportunities were conducted through official photographers and personal devices.

Approaching the National Science Complex Amphitheater, IB Chief Ongkiko would serve as the host announcing the arrival of all groups entering. A short break ensued where participants helped themselves to all of the prepared food and beverages. The main program would begin with the Philippine national anthem and a prayer followed by advocacy messages from key speakers. After these messages and acknowledgements for all participating organizations, groups such as ZOLL Medical were given the opportunity to feature their services and products to the greater emergency response community.

Partners and sponsors of this event included the T3ck Group (TG), Disaster Intelligence Incorporated, Altama, Gideon, Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc. (AKFI), Bounty Cares Foundation Inc., Maynilad Water, Wilter Ink & Strings, and AlphaTech. The event’s success was also thanks to the major contributions of our Institutional Partners; the UP Diliman College of Science, the UPD Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), Transportation Management Office (TMO), Campus Maintenance Office (CMO), Department of Military Science and Tactics (DMST), the UP Vanguard – Makati Chapter, the UP MMDA Vanguard – K9 Group, WISAR Philippines, Responder PH, and Raha. Covering this event were our Media & Advocacy Partners which included JCI Malabon, Sine Hiraya Advertising Corporation, Live Scope Media, SHTR FRMS Studio. Donations were also provided by RBS, EMG Protocol, STORE, AL 811 Ambulance Service, Zesto Corporation, TaccTTech, Trailman, One Prehospital Care Providers Association of the Philippines, Jatujak Thai Eatery, and Aristo Pharma Philippines.