CSI confirms PH’s first ProBoard HazMat passers, bringing global certification access closer to Filipino responders

Manila/Philippines - February 10, 2026 - COMPASS Safety Institute (CSI) announced the official passers of the Philippines’ first ProBoard HazMat Certification at the Awareness and Operations levels, following the release of assessment results by The Pro Board in late January 2026. The training and on-site assessments were conducted on September 08–12, 2025 at the COMPASS Training Complex in Silang, Cavite.

CSI emphasized that it operates as the advocacy arm of COMPASS Training Center, underscoring a mission that goes beyond delivering programs. The institute is focused on capability-building and community protection by making globally benchmarked emergency response credentials more accessible to Filipino responders and safety professionals.

CSI noted that this milestone marks the first time a local training company in the Philippines delivered a ProBoard-aligned HazMat training and qualification assessment onshore. Traditionally, many Filipino responders have had to pursue qualification assessments abroad, which can significantly increase total costs due to travel, accommodation, international fees, and time away from work. By bringing this pathway closer to home, CSI aims to reduce barriers while strengthening readiness across public service, industry, and volunteer response communities.

The pioneering cohort included 14 responders from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs), the National Fire Training Institute, private industry, and overseas-based responders (OFW). The program was headed by Mr. Frank Diaz, COMPASS ProBoard/IFSAC Certified Lead Instructor and Partner. Participants completed scenario-based practical assessments and written evaluations designed to validate hazard recognition, responder safety, defensive control tactics, containment practices, and incident command coordination under realistic conditions.

The program aligned training outcomes to NFPA NFPA 470 competencies for hazardous materials responders at the Awareness and Operations levels. The five-day flow included Awareness and ERG application, Operations-level defensive tactics and containment drills, proctored practical skills testing including PPE donning and decontamination lane execution, incident command functions, high-realism scenarios, and written evaluations.

Official list of passers:
Fredie M. Cariaga
Reynand P. Castro
Jarone A. Cruz
Raymart S. De Guzman
Kennedy D. Dimaano
Joevan M. Due
Mark Philip S. Laroya
Reymark O. Llegado
Gerald B. Magdaong
John Henry I. Oducado
Fritz O. Perez
Kennedy U. Sanchez
Jayvin Paul D. Tajan
Ian Emilbert C. Valenzuela

CSI congratulated the passers for meeting rigorous performance-based requirements and reaffirmed its commitment to developing responders who can serve safely and effectively in high-risk environments.

Looking ahead, CSI shared that the next batch of the NFPA 470 HazMat Awareness and Operations (Pro Board) program is in development, with early inquiries encouraged, especially for OFWs coordinating training with vacation schedules and for brigades or companies seeking block reservations. CSI also confirmed it is preparing additional Pro Board aligned offerings, including Instructor I and Firefighter I and II, to support clearer professional growth pathways for Filipino responders seeking globally benchmarked credentials.