By DAVE CHARLES RESPONTE
CORTES, Bohol – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) broke ground for the P30 million Office of the Provincial Fire Marshal (OPFM) on February 21, 2024, making Bohol the first province in Central Visayas to have its own provincial fire office.
The three-storey building will rise on a 2,000-square meter lot within the 24-hectare property of the Provincial Government of Bohol in Barangay Malayo Sur, Cortes.
Fire Superintendent Raul Bustaliño, Bohol Provincial Fire Marshal, and Fire Senior Superintendent Pedro Balatero Jr, BFP 7 Assistant Regional Director for Operations, led the groundbreaking ceremony.
Governor Aris Aumentado, First District Representative Edgar Chatto, Cortes Mayor Lynn Iven Lim, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First District Engineer John Paul Gascon, and other local officials graced the event.
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who was the guest of honor and speaker, was represented by Candijay Mayor Thamar Olaivar.
The P30-million project is funded by the national government through the efforts of Senator Angara, who has been supporting the BFP’s modernization program.
In his message, Bustaliño said that the OPFM building will serve as a beacon of fire safety, ensuring that the firefighters have the resources and infrastructure they need to protect lives and property.
He added that the building will also be a symbol of the BFP’s dedication to excellence in fire suppression, prevention, and rescue operations.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Senator Angara, Governor Aumentado, and Congressman Chatto for their indispensable support and instrumental role in the BFP project,” Bustaliño said.
The OPFM building is expected to be completed in 10 months. It will have its own fire truck and ambulance to respond to emergencies in nearby areas and in Tagbilaran City.
Governor Aumentado lauded the BFP for its modernization program, saying that the province of Bohol has benefited from it, especially under the leadership of Fire Director Louie Puracan, who is a Boholano.
Mayor Olaivar, representing Senator Angara, revealed that in the last four years, the senator has introduced amendments for BFP funding requirements amounting to P3.2 billion, showing his commitment and support to the bureau.
Congressman Chatto, through his chief of staff Atty. Abeleon Damalerio, reiterated his support to the BFP Bohol.
Meanwhile, Mayor Lim welcomed the project and the bureau as part of the significant progress of his town.