PEÑABLANCA, Cagayan (PIA) - - The Bureau of Fire Protection-Cagayan will soon have its own office building following the groundbreaking ceremony held recently in Barangay Camasi this town.

No less than FCSupt Manuel M. Manuel, chief directorial staff of BFP, and Cagayan 3rd district Rep. Joseph 'Jojo' Lara, spearheaded the cornerstone laying of the BFP Cagayan Provincial office building, together with BFP Region 2 Director CSupt Jerry Lamanero, officials from LGU Peñablanca, and from the Department of Public Works and Highways in Camasi, Pañablanca, Cagayan.

The P50 million worth 3-storey building was funded through the office of Rep. Lara to provide a conducive workplace for the firefighters of the province.

The local government unit of Peñablanca donated a 5,000 square-meter lot area for the building through Mayor Washington Taguinod and Vice Mayor Marilyn Taguinod.

According to Lara, aside from the allocated budget for the building construction, additional funds will be provided to establish a training ground in the area.

Rep. Lara also pledged funds to improve and pave the road network going to the new office site, ensuring quick response to fire incidents.

"Progress and development are entering the municipality of Peñablanca. This is needed as this municipality is a tourist zone” said Lara.

Manuel, on his part, expressed his gratitude and commendation to the Solon and the local officials of Peñablanca for their continuous support to the agency.

He said the BFP national headquarters also allotted an additional P15 million fund as its counterpart for the building construction.

On his part, BFP Region 2 Director FCSupt Jerry Lamanero  said that the new building will serve as a sanctuary where their noble vision to serve the public is performed with professionalism and value.

Meanwhile, aside from this, Lara also vowed to provide musical instruments for the BFP band. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)