The UPMV-K9 Search and Rescue Volunteer Corps, based at the University of the Philippines Diliman, is accepting applications for its 14th training batch until 28 November 2026. The free program is open to dog owners in Metro Manila and nearby provinces who want to help prepare their communities for disasters, including a potential major earthquake along the West Valley Fault.
The training program covers fundamentals of dog handling and obedience, introduction to K9 search and rescue, disaster readiness and community response skills, and teamwork, discipline, and responsible canine ownership. More advanced programs include first aid, basic life support, personal survival, and other emergency response skills.
The program is open to individuals of legal age who are ready to serve the community with a healthy dog. All breeds may join; snub-nosed breeds will be screened for health and safety. The ideal dog age is 8 months to 5 years old.
A key focus of the initiative is preparing pet owners for a possible magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault. PHIVOLCS has noted that the fault has historically generated major earthquakes at intervals of approximately 400 to 600 years, with its last major movement in 1658. A 2004 government earthquake impact study estimated that such an event could cause approximately 34,000 deaths and 114,000 injuries in Metro Manila alone.
The Corps advocates including animals in household disaster preparedness and evacuation plans. It believes pets are family members who deserve protection and a chance to survive emergencies.
Established in September 2017 and formally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2021, the UPMV-K9 Corps is based at UP Diliman with the initiative and support of UP Vanguard, Inc. The opening of Batch 14 comes as the Corps prepares to mark its 10th anniversary in 2027.
To register, applicants may visit https://tinyurl.com/UPMVBATCH14 and check their email after submission for further instructions. The Corps can be reached at upmvk9sar@gmail.com, on Facebook at fb.com/UPMVK9Corps, and on Instagram at @UPMVK9Corps. Its address is UP DMST Complex, Ylanan Rd. cor. Magsaysay Ave., UP Diliman, Quezon City 1101.
Source: UPMV-K9 Search and Rescue Volunteer Corps, University of the Philippines Diliman