Six Lapu brgys get fire trucks from city

CEBU, Philippines - Six out of 30 barangays in Lapu-Lapu City were given fire trucks by the city government to assist the fire department in responding to fire incidents in the barangays.

Speaking at yesterday's turnover ceremony of a new fire truck and other fire-fighting equipment in Barangay Basak, Mayor Paz Radaza said they are prioritizing big barangays in the provision of fire trucks. Her plan, however, is to provide fire trucks and equipment to all barangays.

The city mayor said a fire accident is a deadly disaster and a painful experience to humans, aside from natural calamities. It does not only destroy physical properties but may also claim lives, she added.

"Ato gyud ma-obserbahan sa mga pamilya nga ma-apektohan niining sunog ang kaguol, kasakit nga sa kadiyot lang nga oras, naugdaw ang tanan nga ilang gipondar sulod sa pipila ka tuig. Sulod lamang niini nga tuig, dagko na nga mga kaso sa sunog ang nahitabo sa atong kasilinganan nga dakbayan nga niresulta sa pagkawala sa panimalay sa liboan ka mga pamilya," Radaza said.

The mayor said barangays should be prepared for fire at all times.

According to the data that the mayor gave, the City Fire Department has recorded 13 cases of fire in the first quarter of 2014 alone compared to 8 cases in the same period last year.

"But we also have to take note that the cost of damage this year is a lower P600,000 compared to over P800,000 last year.  Most of the fire incidents this year happened in residential structures," the city mayor added.

The mayor said this is a manifestation that the general public still lacks knowledge and awareness to prevent the occurrence of fires.