SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Exemplary fire stations from various local government units (LGUs) in the Ilocos region were recognized during the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region I held at Kian’s Place in Casilagan, Sto. Tomas, La Union recently.
 
The celebration was focused on giving importance to the achievements, journeys, and efforts of every fire station, as well as the teams and firefighters of each unit in the region.
 
Recognitions were given for the best municipal fire stations, best city fire station, and best provincial fire office.
 
The Gregorio del Pilar Fire Station of Ilocos Sur was awarded as the best municipal fire station under the 5th class municipality category which was received by the Acting Municipal Fire Marshal, SFO3 Rhany Potencion.
 
The Caoayan Fire Station of Ilocos Sur was awarded under the 4th class municipality category which was received by SFO4 Rocelito Riopta, the acting municipal fire marshal of the said station.
 
Under the 3rd class municipality category, Luna Fire Station was recognized which was received by the municipal fire marshal, FSInsp. Amante Castillo.
 
This was followed by the Bugallon Fire Station of Pangasinan under the 2nd class municipality category, which was received by Senior Inspector Kimber Ann Cumbate.
 
The Rosario Fire Station of La Union, headed by Senior Inspector Eric Catte, municipal fire marshal, meanwhile received their plaque of recognition under the 1st class municipality category.
 
Additionally, the best city fire station in the region was given to the Candon City Fire Station in Ilocos Sur, received by Senior Inspector Angelica Blanch Tactay, the acting city fire marshal.                        
 
The highlight of the awarding ceremony was the recognition of Ilocos Sur as the best provincial fire office in the region which was received by Superintendent Floro Obrero, the provincial fire marshal.

The municipal mayors from the 19 local government units (LGUs) in the region were also given a special plaque of recognition including Batac City, Brgy. Payao (also in Batac City), Pagudpud, Marcos, and Burgos, all in Ilocos Norte; Candon City, Nagbukel, Santiago, San Emilio, and Sta. Cruz, all in Ilocos Sur; Aringay, Burgos, Balaoan, Bauang, and Sto. Tomas, all in La Union; and Balungao, Dagupan  City, Lingayen, and Pozzorubio, all in Pangasinan.
 
Senior Superintendent Arthur Sawate, assistant regional director for administration of BFP Region I, thanked the invited LGUs who witnessed the celebration and for their contributions to the enhancement and advancement of the said agency.
 
“We encourage everyone to look back, appreciate, and carry those values in moving forward to achieve the full orientation of our capability to ensure a fire-safe nation on or before 2024,” Sawate assured.

The BFP hopes to continue and intensify the good service to the people in the Ilocos Region so they can adapt to the modern era and provide modern service to the country and the region. (JCR/AMB/SGR/PIA La Union)