New fire trucks seen to boost operational capability

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here will enhance its operational capability and response, with additional equipment from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos turned over a symbolic key to Councilor Psyche Marie “Pao” Sy, on behalf of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, and Martin Espinosa, on behalf of Congressman Greg Gasataya during the ceremonial turnover of brand new fire trucks held at the BFP national headquarters in Quezon City last Tuesday.

Chief Inspector Rodel Legaspi, Bacolod City fire marshal, and Chief Superintendent Jerry Candido, director of BFP-6 were also present at the event.

Bacolod was among the 35 recipients of brand new fire trucks from the DILG.

Since some of the fire trucks here were already old, Legaspi said that the additional fire trucks will enhance the effectiveness of their response to fire incidents.

The BFP here has a total of 14 fire trucks, including the brand-new one.

However, Legaspi said that with Bacolod’s development and expansion, there is really a need to acquire new fire trucks, adding that the ratio of the firetruck here is supposed to be 1 to 28,000 population.

Currently, the Bacolod City Fire Station (central) has five fire trucks, Lopez Jaena Fire Sub-Station has two, while one each for Granada Fire Sub-Station, Rodriguez Fire Sub-Station, Libertad Fire Sub-Station, Mansilingan Fire Sub-Station, Pahanocoy Fire Sub-Station, and Sum-ag Fire Sub-Station.

All are functioning, as we ensure that they are well maintained and operational 24/7, Legaspi said.

“Ginapili man namon ang strategic areas na butangan fire trucks to ensure na well-coordinated ang response,” Legaspi said.

Despite this, Legaspi said they are thankful for the additional equipment.