Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Director Jesus Fernandez emphasized the importance of continued support from national leaders in strengthening the agency’s modernization program, saying that every act of generosity from lawmakers contributes meaningfully to building a more capable firefighting force.
Fernandez made the statement during the inauguration of a newly constructed P40-million provincial fire office in Barangay Malayo Sur, Cortes, Bohol, on Friday. The facility was made possible through the efforts of then-Senator and now Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Situated on a 1,000-square-meter lot, the new two-story building — complete with a separate mess hall — will serve as the official base for Provincial Fire Marshal Supt. Raul Bustalino and his 20-member team, which includes two job order personnel. It will also house 103 firetrucks and four ambulances, ready to respond to fire incidents and medical emergencies across the province.
Director Fernandez described the new fire office as a “symbol of resilience and unity” among firefighters and the local community.
Joining him at the event was BFP Region 7 Director Chief Supt. Fred Trajeras, who praised the collaboration between BFP personnel and local government leaders. He highlighted that funding for provincial fire marshal offices is rarely prioritized at the national level, making the support from Angara both unique and impactful.
“Even at the national headquarters, it’s difficult to allocate funds specifically for provincial fire marshal offices. Most of the budget goes to city or municipal fire stations. This kind of support from a senator is a big deal,” Trajeras said in an interview.
In his speech, Fernandez extended gratitude not only to Angara but also to local officials — including Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Cortes Mayor Rodrigo Dennis Uy, and 1st District Rep. John Geesnell Yap — for their unwavering assistance.
He also shared an anecdote from a recent Senate hearing on the BFP modernization program, where legislators’ keen interest extended discussions far beyond schedule.
“The hearing was supposed to last seven days. It stretched to three weeks because all senators wanted to interpellate. Each one expressed support for the modernization program,” Fernandez recounted.
The newly inaugurated provincial fire office marks a milestone in the BFP’s modernization efforts and stands as a testament to what collaborative governance can achieve.