The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday placed a sharp spotlight on fire safety as a core pillar of public protection, honoring the country’s finest firefighters during the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines 2025 awarding ceremony at SMX Aura in Taguig City.
DILG Undersecretary Rolando Puno, Chairperson of the Board of Judges, led the ceremony with BFP Chief Jesus P. Fernandez, SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey Lim, and SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio. The gathering celebrated excellence, courage, and the daily sacrifices of frontline responders who keep communities safe.
In his keynote message delivered on behalf of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Undersecretary Puno reiterated the Department’s resolve to elevate fire service nationwide in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader public safety agenda.
“Through TOFF, we are affirming our commitment to strengthening fire safety services and extending our gratitude to the men and women of the BFP who never waver in upholding the oath they took,” he said.
He hailed the awardees as standard bearers of discipline, integrity, and resilience. He said, “Firefighters are at the heart of our nation’s lifeline. I salute this year’s awardees and finalists for setting a positive example. Your discipline, integrity, and resilience uplift the entire firefighting force. You give Filipinos confidence in times of crisis.”
This year’s Commissioned Officer awardees are FSSUPT Bartolome O. Beliran of Region 6, FSUPT Josephus F. Alburo of NCR, FCINSP Zardoz V. Abela of Region 8, FSINSP Julius R. Mangrubang of Region 3, and FSINSP Karl Aerole M. Rosales of NHQ. The Non Commissioned Officers recognized were SFO3 Lloyd C. Francisco of Region 3, SFO2 Donn C. Analoague of Region 11, SFO1 Jan Vincent R. Alba of Region 4A, FO3 Dianne Daphne P. Bruno of Region 4A, and FO2 Bernard P. Sureta of Region 5.
Each awardee received a plaque of recognition, a medallion, and a cash prize of P250,000 from SM Prime Holdings.
Undersecretary Puno also commended the leadership of BFP Chief Fernandez, citing reduced fire incidents and the Bureau’s growing footprint in the Unified 911 emergency system launched this September.
He emphasized that modernization efforts remain a priority under the proposed 2026 budget, including the procurement of firetrucks and the construction of additional fire stations to strengthen community protection.
He acknowledged SM Prime Holdings for its sustained partnership and expressed the Department’s readiness for deeper collaboration toward “a safer, adaptive, and disaster resilient Philippines.”
The TOFF program annually recognizes five Commissioned Officers and five Non Commissioned Officers who embody bravery, innovation, and dedicated public service.
Also present were DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon, BFP NHQ Praise Committee Chairperson FCSUPT Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu, TOFF 2025 Head Secretariat Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, and partners from the public and private sectors.
