The newly inaugurated Office of the Provincial Fire Marshal of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Bohol located in Malayo Sur, Cortes. Foto: Dave Charles Responte
The Bureau of Fire Protection Region VII on Friday inaugurated the first Office of the Provincial Fire Marshal in Central Visayas, marking a notable step in strengthening public safety and emergency response in the province.
The facility, located in Barangay Malayo Sur, Cortes, was officially blessed and opened by Fire Superintendent Raul Bustaliño, who led the move to establish the office.
The 30-million-peso facility was built under the BFP Modernization Program on Provincial Government of Bohol property through a usufruct agreement.
The project received funding through lobbying efforts by Candijay Mayor Thamar C. Olaivar and Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.
The office will serve as the central hub for planning, coordinating and deploying fire safety and emergency operations throughout Bohol.
During the ceremony, BFP also turned over a new ambulance unit to the Municipality of Alburquerque, improving the province’s emergency medical response capacity.
BFP Chief Fire Director Jesus P. Fernandez served as keynote speaker and guest of honor.
“This milestone is not just a building—it is a symbol of shared responsibility and service for the safety and well-being of the people,” Fernandez said.
The ceremony was attended by Fire Chief Superintendent Fred Trajeras Jr., regional director of BFP Region VII; Fire Chief Superintendent Manuel G. Golino, regional director of BFP Region III; Gov. Aris Aumentado, represented by Executive Assistant Art Evangelista; First District Rep. John Geesnell “Baba” Yap; Cortes Mayor Rodrigo Dennis Uy; and Balilihan Municipal Councilor Maria Pureza Chatto, who represented her husband, former Rep. Edgar M. Chatto.
The facility establishes a benchmark for future public safety infrastructure developments across the country, according to the BFP. (Dave Charles Responte)