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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG hails PH's best firefighters, pushes for stronger fire safety measures

DILG hails PH's best firefighters, pushes for stronger fire safety measures

Published Dec 5, 2025 03:34 pm
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) underscored on Thursday night, Dec. 4, that fire safety remains a core pillar of public protection as this year’s Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines (TOFF) were honored during simple rites in Taguig City.
In a message delivered on behalf of DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, DILG Undersecretary Rolando Puno reaffirmed the department’s commitment to elevating fire service nationwide in line with the broader public safety agenda of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Through TOFF, we are affirming our commitment to strengthening fire safety services and expressing our gratitude to the men and women of the BFP who never waver in upholding their oath,” Puno said.
This year’s Commissioned Officer awardees include Fire Senior Supt. Bartolome O. Beliran of Region 6, Fire Supt. Josephus F. Alburo of the National Capital Region (NCR), Fire Chief Insp. Zardoz V. Abela of Region 8, Fire Senior Insp. Julius R. Mangrubang of Region 3, and Fire Senior Insp. Karl Aerole M. Rosales of the National Headquarters (NHQ).
The non-commissioned officers recognized were Senior Fire Officer 3 Lloyd C. Francisco of Region 3, Senior Fire Officer 2 Donn C. Analoague of Region 11, Senior Fire Officer 1 Jan Vincent R. Alba of Region 4A, Fire Officer 3 Dianne Daphne P. Bruno of Region 4A, and Fire Officer 2 Bernard P. Sureta of Region 5.
Each awardee received a plaque of recognition, a medallion, and a cash prize of P250,000 from SM Prime Holdings.
Hailing the 2025 awardees as standard-bearers of discipline, integrity, and resilience, Puno emphasized that “firefighters are at the heart of our nation’s lifeline.”
“I salute this year’s awardees and finalists for setting a positive example. Your discipline, integrity, and resilience uplift the entire firefighting force. You give Filipinos confidence in times of crisis,” he said.
Puno also commended the leadership of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Jesus Fernandez, citing the reduction in fire incidents and the bureau’s expanding role in the Unified 911 emergency system launched this September.
He stressed that modernization efforts remain a priority under the proposed 2026 budget, including the procurement of additional firetrucks and the construction of more fire stations to strengthen community protection.
The DILG official likewise thanked SM Prime Holdings for its sustained partnership and expressed the department’s readiness for deeper collaboration toward “a safer, adaptive, and disaster-resilient Philippines.”
Puno, who chairs the board of judges, led the ceremony alongside Fernandez, SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey Lim, and SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio.
Also present were DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon, BFP NHQ Praise Committee Chairperson Fire Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu, TOFF 2025 Head Secretariat Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, and partners from both the public and private sectors.
“The gathering celebrated excellence, courage, and the daily sacrifices of frontline responders who keep communities safe,” the DILG added.
Celebrated annually, the TOFF program recognizes five commissioned officers and five non-commissioned officers who embody bravery, innovation, and dedicated public service.
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