The Journey of Détente Y Ayuda from Spain to the Philippines
In 1966, DYA was born in Bizkaia, Spain—a dream that propelled four brave rescuers, led by Dr. Juan Antonio Usparitza (1919-2012), to use their free time to help others. Dr. Usparitza, born on May 7, 1919, in the neighborhood of San Cristobal de Busturia (Bizkaia), founded DYA to address two main needs:
Détente y Ayuda Filipinas Inc. (formerly known as DYA Bacolod Philippines Inc. / DYA Recoletos) was made possible through the exceptional creative impulse of Rev. Fr. Antonio Palacious and Rev. Fr. Jose Manuel Gonzales Duenas, both from the missionary order of the Augustinian Recolects, with the help of:
The Three Musketeers:
In 1996, DYA Bacolod Philippines emergency medical service started its first operation with the outmost support of DYA Spain.
DYA is a non-stock, nonprofit, humanitarian organization that helps during emergencies including but not limited to Emergency Medical Services, Disaster Relief and Rescue Operations.
In 2000, DYA Philippines jumped from the Island of Negros to Panay to continue spreading its seed of solidarity and hope to as many places as possible. However, operations stopped in 2006.
DYA started working primarily manned by trained volunteers to serve the indigent communities of Barangays Handumanan, Cabug, Felisa, Mansilingan, Pahanocoy, Sum-ag, and Punta Taytay through its round-the-clock free emergency medical services.
On November 11, 2016, DYA Bacolod Volunteers took the exam and assessment for the TESDA National Certificate II in Emergency Medical Services conducted by the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Recoletos Industrial Technological Training Center Basak Campus.
100%
Passing Rate
The second and third batches also achieved 100% passing rates. DYA has produced leaders and trainers that are able to share their knowledge and resources in the field of EMS. Many of these trainers are now practitioners in the EMS field in the Philippines and abroad.
March 8, 1998: Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the Office of the President, Presidential Action Center, in coordination with National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) for Rescue Operation PAL Airbus 320 PR 137
April 19, 1998: Presidential Commendation Award from the Office of the President, Malacañang Palace
April 7, 1998: Letter of Commendation from Headquarters PCG Manila
December 12, 2003: Regional nominee for Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2003, Region VI during National Volunteers Month
July 3, 2005: Letter of Commendation from the Office of the City Mayor
August 16, 2019: Negros EMS Awardee during National EMS Week 2019 from PCEM
DYA has extended its arm to different groups and institutions in Bacolod City and Cities / Municipalities in the Province of Negros Occidental through education, training, and other related services still maintaining the spirit of pure volunteerism—the unique trait of DYA, and one which sets it apart from other similar institutions.
In 2022, DYA established the DYA Cebu delegation with volunteers from the University of San Jose - Recoletos (USJ-R), continuing the legacy of service and volunteerism that began in Spain in 1966.