Tipolo still champ in "Fire Olympics"

CEBU, Philippines - For the second time in a row, barangay Tipolo in Mandaue City has once again emerged champion in this year’s “Fire Olympics.”

The competition was initiated by the Mandaue City Fire department and the Mandaue City government as part of the disaster-preparedness program.

Barangay Subangdaku was second while barangay Banilad came out third.

The champion grabbed a trophy and P5,000, the second winner got P3,000, and the third winner received P2,000.

Nine barangay-based fire and disaster brigades competed.

Barangays Cambaro, Canduman, Casuntingan, and Cabancalan also competed. Tipolo and Subangdaku fielded two teams each.

The competition, held at the Mandaue reclamation area, included firefighting medley, rescue relay, and bucket relay.

Barangay Tipolo captain Restituto Villanueva who was one of the pioneers of the Mandaue Emergency Rescue Unit, the forerunner of ERUF, said because of his “passion for service” he formed their own “fire department,” which is now equipped with one fire truck, two ambulances, other paraphernalia, 20 barangay-paid fire personnel, and 20 volunteers. - THE FREEMAN