|
17 in 107 07 August 2008 |
. |
|
LAST week, I addressed
the courageous and dedicated men and women of the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) on their 17th Anniversary Celebration at the Quezon
City Sports Club. More than a hundred years ago, August 7, 1901 to be exact, the first fire department was established in Manila. But it was not until 90 years later, on August 2, 1991, that the Bureau was formally constituted into the BFP under Republic Act No. 6975 or the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990. The Bureau is mandated to prevent and suppress destructive fires, enforce fire-related laws, as well as provide emergency medical and rescue services. BFP is tasked to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines in crucial times of national emergencies and calamities. When typhoon Frank hit our country badly, highlighted by the tragic sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars, the BFP constituted the core of our First Responders. The firefighters helped in distributing relief goods and bringing potable water to affected families. Headed by Director Enrique C. Linsangan, BFP’s record last year was impressive. While the number of incidents in 2007 was slightly higher than that of 2006 – by some 219 – the resulting property damage, loss of lives and injuries were significantly lower. In 2006, there were 686 deaths from 8,823 fires, as against 201 in 2007, from 9,042 incidents. This is the lowest in the last five years. The Bureau’s anniversary celebration was a showcase of inspiration and heroism displayed by the night’s awardees. Recognition was given to retired firemen such as SSupt. Antonio G. Lopena, Maj. Gen. Mario C. Tanchangco and Col. Jose V. Cajipe. Other awardees were: Supt. Mauricio Ramos (NCR), SInsp. Jerome T. Reano (Laguna), SFO4 Jaime J. Pabalan (Region 4-A), SFO2 Lowie A. Puno (Manila), FO3 Estanislao N. Temblor (La Union), FO1 Guiller T. Pegarido (Cebu), and FO1 Leo L. Lagata (Sorsogon). On the other hand, Engr. Nelson S. Se, Sr. was honored as Non-uniformed Employee of the Year and recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his undying dedication and service to the Bureau. Amongst the awardees, FO3 Elino D. Nell from Valenzuela received top recognition. FO3 Nell’s bravery was tested when he fearlessly saved eight children, including an eightmonth-old baby, from the roof of a house, when the Tullahan River overflowed and inundated several houses in Valenzuela City. This incident happened a day after typhoon Frank. Our country has a number of famous Filipino heroes who fought for our freedom. Many of them were revolutionaries of the past who have struggled to uphold our independence against invaders. Today, various acts of heroism are still displayed by our brave countrymen – men or women, young or old. These are the inspiring people that will fearlessly face any danger and adversity, demonstrating the will of self-sacrifice for others. In the 8th State of the Nation Address (SoNA) of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, one story of heroism stood out. Rodney Berdin of Barangay Rombang, Belison, Antique received one of the loudest applause and stood taller than his 13 years. Rodney was honored by the President for his heroic act in saving his mother and two siblings from the raging flood waters of Sibalom River, also at the height of typhoon Frank, as it ravaged Panay Island. Truly, this is a time for heroism and heroes, as the global crises sap our national strength and we must dig deep into our reserves to pull ourselves out from the price pincers in food and fuel. Steering the ship of state, becomes less perilous when we have the Elino Nells and Rodney Berdins as beacons to navigate by. |
|
| [TOP] [HOME] | |