DILG turns over 11 new fire trucks to Ilocos Norte

Laoag City—In a bid to enhance the firefighting capabilities and response readiness in Ilocos Norte, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has turned over 11 newly-acquired fire trucks to the province on July 17, 2023.

The towns of Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui, Currimao, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Sarrat, Vintar, and the cities of Batac and Laoag were the recipients of the new firefighting vehicles.

"These fire trucks will undoubtedly bolster our firefighting capabilities. Prevention remains to be the first defense against fire hazards," F/Chief Supt. Leonida Gumanab-Rosales, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Region 1 remarked.

Over the past months, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc closely coordinated with DILG and BFP in assessing the capacity of Ilocos Norte’s component Local Government Units, requesting the provision of fire trucks to priority towns.

During the turnover event, Manotoc expressed his gratitude to the DILG, saying: “Gusto ko lang magpasalamat kay Secretary Benjamin Abalos at kay Director Louie Puracan na tumutulong sa Ilocos Norte, and on behalf of the over 600,000 Ilokanos, we appreciate their thoughtfulness and prioritization of Ilocos Norte, which is evident today with the provision of the 11 fire trucks.”

He also thanked the BFP-Ilocos Norte, headed by F/Chief Insp. Elmer C. Acapuyan, acting provincial fire marshal, for their dedicated efforts not only in firefighting but also in providing assistance during various calamities in the province.

On June 21, 2023, the DILG also turned over two fire trucks to the municipalities of Carasi and Adams. Now, all 21 municipalities and two (2) cities in Ilocos Norte have their own fire trucks.

The provincial government continues to collaborate with national agencies to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities in the province. With the recent turnover of 11 new fire trucks, the Ilokano community can rest assured that their safety remains a top priority of the Provincial Government. (Mariell J. Pahinag)