Outstanding fire fighters in Ilocos region recognized

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3151482393221/outstanding-fire-fighters-in-ilocos-region-recognized
• Tuesday, December 27, 2016

By Joanna Diaz Sabado (JNPD/JDS/PIA-1, La Union)

SAN FERNANDO CITY (PIA) – Exemplary fire fighters in Ilocos were recently given due recognition during the 43rd Fire Service Recognition Day held on December 21 at Thunderbird Resort, Poro Point here.

During the said awards rites, provincial fire marshal of Pangasinan, Chief Insp. Arthur Sawate, also Civil Service Commission’s Dangal ng Bayan regional awardee is awarded as the Senior Fire Officer of the Year.

Sawate's active participation in activities of line agencies, close coordination with the local government units, personal supervision and management of rescue operations in times of calamities, regular conduct of fire safety lectures, seminars and drills in different educational institutions and commercial establishments, and a healthy relationship with the tri-media made him deserving for his award.

Earlier, he also served as the Urdaneta City fire marshal before leading the Pangasinan fire station.

CSC Provincial Director Violeta Nipal-Mendoza, who represented Acting Regional Director Hedy Jose Lardizabal, and BFP Regional Director Senior Supt. Lilibeth Simangan led the conferment of the awards.

In her message, Mendoza lauded the awards and recognition system of the Bureau of Fire Protection and inspired the awardees to continue extending unselfish and quality service as public servants.

Meanwhile, San Fernando City Fire Marshal, Senior Insp. Ma. Theresa Alqueza, was recognized as Junior Fire Officer of the Year.

“The recognition motivates me and my unit to give our best in every task, to grow more in the service for the people and to continue the active partnership with the stakeholders,” Alqueza said.

She added, “I share the recognition with my colleagues for their support, cooperation, dedication and hard work.”

Earlier this year, San Fernando City Fire Station was also recognized as the 2016 Best City Fire Station in the region.

Other outstanding fire fighters are Fire Officer III Ana Liza Tomas from Piddig, Ilocos Norte as Junior Non-Commissioned Officer, Senior Fire Officer Eldie Vincent Pascua, Municipal Fire Marshal of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur as Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Chief Insp. Eddie Jucutan as Senior Fire Officer, and Insp. Edwin Oredujos as Junior Fire Officer, for administrative work.

The Bangui Fire Station in Ilocos Norte was given special recognition as the Best Maintained Firetruck of the Year.

Also recognized were partner-agencies in the national government like the Commission on Audit, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Office of the Civil Defense.

Some city and municipal mayors in the region were also recognized their active support to the bureau.

Theme for this year’s celebration is “Pagkilala sa tapat at dakilang paglilingkod tungo sa pagbabago (Recognizing genuine and meritorious service for change).”

Fire Recognition Day is commemorated every 14th of December to pay tribute to the heroism of fallen fire fighters during the Rockwell Power Plant Fire in Makati City in 1973 and to give recognition to its personnel who in one way or another gave more than what is expected to do in the spirit of public service.