Our story started with a bright smile and a warm welcome.

Jerwyn Castillo, Co-Founder

In May 2025, I volunteered at Federation Fire Brigade Iloilo as a volunteer EMT. After working with the other volunteers at the fire department, I was inspired by their kindness, hospitality and selflessness to make a difference in communities that need it most. I hope to inspire others, just as they inspired me.

They became my second family.

I was heartbroken to discover the inadequate healthcare system in the Philippines.

Patients are denied admission into the hospital if they can not provide payment upfront, even if their life is on the line. Volunteer fire departments do not ask any money from their patients, truly putting their community over their own interests. I wish to give that same level of humanity in the work I do in serving those communities.

Learn more about the volunteers in the Philippines

Our Mission

Filipino First Responder Foundation is dedicated to improving pre-hospital healthcare in underdeveloped countries by equipping emergency medical services (EMS) with essential, life-saving medical resources. We focus on providing fire departments and EMS teams in these countries with advanced American-standard medical equipment, empowering them to deliver critical patient care during emergencies.

Our Vision

We envision the future of these fire departments to be equipped with the highest quality medical equipment in order to deliver care that goes above and beyond, striving to not only save lives, but to help exemplify the value of life.

Support our mission

Meet the exec team

Jerwyn Castillo

President
- EMT for critical care transports
- B.S. in Biomedical engineering
- Former intern at American Medical Association Foundation
Linnea Kobbs

Vice President
- Certified part time pro-life missionary
- Graphic design and marketing student
- Vice President of Young Americans for Freedom Chapter at UIUC
Jacob Devadas

Treasurer
- UIC Medical Student class of 2028
- B.S. in Biomedical engineering
- Former research assistant at Rush University
Chase Yohnka

Secretary
- Political science major with minor in legal studies and Spanish
- Former intern at Young America’s Foundation
- President of Young Americans for Freedom Chapter at UIUC