Just four months after he launched Tulong Muna Bago Balita (Rescue First Before News), broadcast journalist Daniel Razon heightened UNTV’s pioneering news advocacy with 15 new, news and rescue mobile units. These were unveiled last November 28, 2010 during the celebration of Razon’s 27th year of service to God and humanity at Esplanade, Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Philippines.

The new mobile units plus the trained news and rescue team of UNTV complete the rationale behind Kuya Daniel’s news advocacy: To save people’s lives first before reporting news.

While news patrols of other media establishments are intended solely for journalistic purposes, UNTV’s new mobile units are equipped with facilities needed for rescue and first aid operations.

“Our fellowmen are more important than anything else, more than getting and delivering news,” Mr. Razon pointed out during UNTV’s 6th anniversary celebration on July 18, 2010.

In the same month, Kuya Daniel sent the UNTV news crews to a month-long emergency response training (ERT) where they were trained to be rescuers, from first aid application to technical and rescue operations. The Search and Rescue Unit Foundation, Inc. (SARUF) — a recognized army rescue unit in the Philippines — led by its president Jerry Carual, trained the team.

According to Carual, this is the first time in the Philippines that a media organization has been directly involved in rescue efforts. UNTV pioneered in going through an ERT, he added.

At the event night, Kuya Daniel also announced another upcoming, pioneering project that will assist UNTV’s news and rescue mobile units in pointing the location where help is urgently needed.

An emergency hotline much like America’s 911, is underway to render immediate assistance to the emergency needs of the public.

Before his big night ended, Razon surprised everyone when he announced the launching of two new mobile schools, additional three ambulances, and three jeepneys to give for free rides. The mobile school project, called Dunong Gulong of ALS, is a joint project of UNTV, the Department of Education, and Ang Dating Daan that aims to provide alternative learning for out-of-school youths and adult learners around the country.

Meanwhile, Kuya Daniel recognized various groups and individuals for their continued assistance in the operation of all his social services. DSR Awards were given to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DepEd, SARUF, doctors and lawyers of Clinic ni Kuya and Law Center ni Kuya, among others, as appreciation. (Writing by Hazel Chavez-David; Editing by Jane Abao)