KALIBO, Aklan – Three towns in Aklan province will have their own fire stations and fire trucks this year.
For years, Nabas, Banga and Batan have been relying on their neighboring towns for help during fire emergencies. Hopefully, not anymore beginning this 2021.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) regional director Senior Superintendent Jerry Duhina Candido confirmed the plan to activate fire stations in the three towns.
Prior to activation, BFP’s immediate plan is to construct temporary structures to house the fire trucks.
The regional director also committed to provide a new or refurbished fire truck for the proposed Lezo station, and to continue the construction of the existing fire station building in Madalag.
Once a new fire station building is constructed in Banga, Aklan, Candido said the Office of the Provincial Fire Marshall will be transferred from the capital town of Kalibo.
BFP will also strengthen its special rescue unit (SRU) in Aklan. The SRU personnel stationed in Kalibo is tasked to conduct rescue operations and emergency medical services.
“We will put up proactive SRUs in Ibajay or Nabas, in Balete or Altavas,” said Candido.
Meanwhile, beginning March 2021 BFP-6 will be accepting applications for Fire Officer I positions. There will be a panel interview, neuro-psychiatric exam and physical agility test.
“I am encouraging qualified college graduates to fulfill the vision and mission of BFP. Seven years from now I will be retiring. We are looking for interested Aklanons to become firefighters,” Candido said.
Candido, a native of Barangay Ginictan, Altavas, Aklan, was cited as “Outstanding Aklanon” in the field of government service on Dec. 21, 2020 by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The 49-year-old lawyer was the former Director for Logistics of BFP national office and fire marshal of Bacolod City and Iloilo City./PN
