• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The municipality of E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental is set to strengthen its fire protection capability with the planned construction of a P10-million fire substation in Barangay Alicante, following the turnover of a brand-new fire truck to the municipality.
Fire Chief Supt. Fred Trajeras, Bureau of Fire and Protection deputy chief for operations, made the announcement on Tuesday, Aug. 4 during the blessing of the 500-gallon Isuzu fire truck, expressing optimism that the project could be realized within the year once funding is approved.
Trajeras, a native of E.B. Magalona, said the proposed substation is already “on deck” and directed the Bureau of Fire Protection-Negros Island Region (BFP-NIR) to fast-track the project once funds are downloaded.
“We are looking forward to putting up the substation in Barangay Alicante at the soonest possible time,” he said, adding that a new fire station is necessary to house the municipality’s growing fleet of fire trucks.
“What is the use of having a new fire truck if there is no proper shelter for it? We also need a brand-new fire station,” Trajeras said.
Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon credited Trajeras for helping them secure the new fire truck as immediately approved by Interior and Local Government Secretary Juan Victor Remulla, following his endorsement.
Malacon said the municipal government specifically requested the compact 500-gallon Isuzu unit instead of a larger fire truck because it can easily navigate the town’s narrow roads and densely populated communities.
The vehicle is also equipped with modern firefighting features, including the capability to spray fire suppression chemicals for blazes that cannot be extinguished by water alone.
The mayor said that E.B. Magalona now has three fire trucks while the BFP is also pursuing the acquisition of a larger unit in the future.
Moreover, Trajeras said the BFP continues to modernize its firefighting fleet nationwide through a P1-billion budget intended for the procurement of new fire trucks.
He noted that the BFP currently operates about 3,500 fire trucks nationwide but still needs around 1,000 additional units to meet operational requirements.
Trajeras also said that many existing fire trucks are already 30 to 40 years old and can no longer be relied upon for maximum efficiency. | GPB
