BFP 20th Anniversary 2011, Recognition Day

Celebrating the 20th year of existence…

It’s been twenty years now since the dawn of history as the Bureau of Fire Protection; when it officially started its function as a distinct government agency apart from the integration of public safety services, which was designed to be national in scope and civilian in character. On August 2, 1991, through the Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, our agency (BFP) initially began to carry out its mandate as a separate unit, whose sole duty is to save lives and properties from destructive fires and perform other related services of public safety. During the time of then Integrated National Police (INP), prior to the promulgation of R.A. 6975, the Fire Service had long been held in command by F/MAJ PRIMO D CORDETA from 1978 to 1989, as the First Chief, Fire Marshal. His successor, F/BRIG GENERAL ERNESTO G MADRIAGA (1990-1992), whose leadership was recognized as the transition period from INP to BFP, was initially tasked to prepare the Operation Plans and Budget (OPB) of the BFP. When the Bureau can finally walk on its own feet as now separate agency, F/MAJ GEN MARIO C TANCHANCO (1992-1993) was the First Director of the Bureau of Fire Protection and from there, the structuring of this organization had gradually taken its shape.

On its 20th year of existence, the BFP has relatively reached significant changes and accomplishments in its dedication to serve the people. Among its famed stages and achievements were the Professionalization Act of 2004, enacted through the Republic Act 9263; the passing of Republic Act 9514, otherwise known as the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008, amending the Presidential Decree 1185, and now we have the newly constructed building of our National Headquarters located at Agham Road, Quezon City, which is soon to be occupied by NHQs Staffs. It is also worthy to mention that for the past two decades, we already had fourteen (14) Fire Chiefs/or Directors who have left considerable contribution with respect to their leadership and administration in the BFP.

Indeed, our organization has proven a committed service to the Filipino People. And this is what we carry out as we continue our journey to perform our duties and responsibilities as men and women of the Bureau of Fire Protection. For this fact, we have an even more reason to celebrate and commemorate the foundation of this organization.

On a momentous day, August 9, 2011, the Regional Headquarters had its own way of celebrating the BFP Anniversary holding this year’s Theme: “BFP: Two Decades of Committed Fire Service to the Filipino People.” At one o’clock in the afternoon, the activity was commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration at RHQs Garage, presided over by the PNPA Champlain, REV. FR. (SUPT) MIKE CASTILLO. Immediately after the mass, it was followed by the program proper.

Brought by the necessity of the occasion, the Masters of Ceremony- SINSP ANNALEE C ATIENZA together with SFO4 Jaime J Pabalan, narrated chronologically the notable periods and events that occurred in the past two decades. Mr. Eduardo R. Nicolas, who was the Guest of Honor and Speaker- Regional Governor, Region 4 Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed in his speech the essential role of the Bureau of Fire Protection in its partnership with the Business Sectors. He was optimistic that the BFP will make difference in the progress of our nation because of its commitment to economic development.

This is also an appropriate time for our Bureau to recognize the invaluable support extended by the Local Government Units, other entities, and individuals who in their own way contributed in making well our service. Among the awardees present from the Local Executives were; Hon. Aniano Ariel M. Wagan Jr. of San Antonio, Quezon; Hon. Moises B. Villasenor of Lucban, Quezon; and Hon. Vilma Dimacuha of Batangas City. The Cavite City Fire Brigade was also awarded together with Mr. Mark Alexander L. Luneta, ERA-BER and Mrs. Ditas A. Rivera, C, BPLO (Batangas City).

To fittingly uplift the morale of our personnel, there were chosen and awarded with recognition; CINSP DANILO B CABALUNA got the award for Best Senior Officer of the Year; Best City Fire Marshal- SINSP VON FERDINAND S NICASIO; Best Junior Officer- SINSP MARILYN C CALAPATI; Best Municipal Fire Marshal- INSP ARNEL R GARCIA; Best Officer-In-Charge- SFO4 Roberto Z Tirona; Best Senior Non-Officer- SFO4 Ponciano B Arimuhanan; Best Junior Non-Officer- FO1 Victor Mark E Barrameda III; Best Non-Uniformed Personnel- NUP Joselyn S Balingbing. And to recognize the collective efforts coming from the Fire Station, Calamba City Fire Station and Gumaca Fire Station were awarded with Best City and Municipal Fire Stations of the year, respectively.

Finally, the best way to celebrate an anniversary is to have it over a bottle of wine and foods, matched with a perfect sound of mainstream music. And this happened shortly after the awarding ceremony. The “10-70” band was on its best performing a lively mini-concert with audiences filled with energy as they jammed with Pop and RNBs. Thus, the BFP 20th Anniversary Celebration was a complete success and a meaningful one.

Click on the thumbnails for slideshow.