Talisay Fire Station best in the country

CEBU, Philippines — The Talisay City Fire Station was hailed as Best City Fire station nationwide in the annual Bureau of Fire Service Anniversary for 2018, beating other top finalists including Valenzuela, Roxas and Ormoc City.

Police Senior Inspector Arra Alpajaro, chief of Talisay City Fire, said that this is not only the first time for the Talisay station to receive such award but also to the whole Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-7.

“Wa gyod ta nag-expect (modaug) kay ang atong mga kalaban mga hi-tech kaayo - Valenzuela City, Roxas City, Ormoc City.  Mga nindot sila nga mga station and it’s a privilege nga nakadaog gyod ta,” said Alpajaro, in a phone interview with The FREEMAN.

She added that it was an honor that they were able to reach the criteria set by the national headquarters, which includes the station’s administrative and operation, general appearance and personnel readiness.

Alpajaro added that the evaluation team from the national headquarters also recognizes their station activities and programs which help the fire prevention in Talisay City.

“Bumaba na din kasi ang rate ng fire incidents dahil na rin sa programs natin. Effective ang ating fire prevention programs, maong gamay ra ang atong sunog nga nahitabo sa Talisay,” Alpajaro said.

Talisay City fire prevention programs include ordinary house to house inspection, pre-fire planning, and lectures among fire-prone areas.

Alpajaro said that they also established a community and children friendly fire station.

This year, they are planning to widen their reach among the young generation by conducting outreach programs that will conduct lectures and tips of fire prevention among the young ones.

“Sa pagkakaron, we take this as an inspiration to us to exert more efforts na ipagpatuloy ang mga programs and activities nga nasugdan na sa Talisay and the cleanliness and appearance,” Alpajaro added.

She also recognized the contribution of the local government unit of Talisay particularly Mayor Eduardo Gullas, who consistently supported their programs and activities which led them able to reach this far.

“I did not do it alone but also because of my personnel and sa support pud ni Regional Director (Samuel Tadeo),” said Alpajaro.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Office was also adjudged as the best nationwide in Fire Safety Enforcement. (FREEMAN)