Mayor Greg Gasataya paid special tribute to the unsung heroes of Bacolod’s emergency response efforts – the long-serving volunteers, who have dedicated 20 to 30 years to safeguarding the community.
In his visit July 10 to the Bureau of Fire Protection in Barangay 8, accompanied by city fire marshal, F/Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, Gasataya toured the facility and received updates on BFP Bacolod’s operational readiness, including equipment inventories, recent milestones in fire prevention, and strategies for addressing high-risk “red zone” areas.
However, the spotlight shifted to the bureau’s volunteers when Masip underscored their extraordinary contributions, the Bacolod City Communications Group said in a press release.
She said that these volunteers—some serving since the 1990s—have been the backbone of critical operations, from firefighting to rescue missions, without formal compensation.
She added that the volunteers’ loyalty transcends financial reward, receiving only shared meals from staff.
Moved by their stories, Gasataya told the group that their selflessness will not go unrecognized.
He assured them that if funds permit, the city will prioritize providing support to these long-time volunteers. ||
