The Philippine Army's 525th Combat Engineer Battalion (525CEBn) has become the country's first unit to receive Full National Accreditation as a Medium Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team.

The accreditation was conferred during a ceremony held at the Philippine Army headquarters in Taguig City on 26 June.

The 525CEBn, under the Combat Engineer Regiment, is the first unit in the country to achieve the distinction through the National Accreditation Process.

The conferment capped the battalion's 100-day campaign under the theme "One Mission, One Standard."

Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete commended the unit for its disciplined training, rigorous preparation, and adherence to national standards, which he said strengthened its capability to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters.

He added that the accreditation highlights the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation in enhancing the country's disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

Looking ahead, Nafarrete challenged the battalion to pursue international recognition under the standards of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

"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 times of calamities and crises," Nafarrete said.

"At the end of the day, our purpose remains clear: 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.