THE 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in its session last Dec. 22 approved the release of P10 million for the construction of a new fire station but not without a lengthy debate between councilors with dissenting opinions. The amount will be sourced from the 2010 yearend unappropriated surplus.
Asst. Majority Floor Leader Claudio P. Larrazabal was the most vocal in opposing the measure, saying he would rather that the money be used to acquire a new fire truck, preferably a tanker with a 75-ft. telescopic ladder. The fire station presently has six fire trucks.
Majority Floor Leader Ruben R. Capahi defended the proposal by saying that the garage of the existing fire station can accommodate only four fire trucks and has no space for a new unit. Capahi sponsored the measure being the chairman of the committee on finance and appropriations.
But Larrazabal isn’t convinced and sees no point of building a new fire station considering the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is not a devolved agency and as such, is not the responsibility of the LGU. But Councilor Filomeno Maglasang disagrees, saying that even if the BFP is a national office, the Ormocanons are the direct beneficiaries of an improved fire department.
The station’s rehabilitation was requested by former Fire Marshall Adel de Paz through a letter dated Apr. 24, 2007, more specifically roofing and ceiling works. Project Development Officer IV Engr. Sally Dejaño who was invited to the session explained that the LGU did not act on the request immediately and waited for the BFP’s move.
Four years and eight months later, Mayor Eric C. Codilla decided to take action on the matter after the BFP did not act on the request. But City Engr. Oliveros and Engr. Dejaño realized upon inspection that the existing fire station is already dilapidated that building a new structure would be more economical in the long term than just making repairs.
An architect of the BFP presented a plan worth P20 million but Mayor Codilla rejected this for being too expensive. The LGU came up with its own plan worth only half the amount of the BFP plan and has a provision for parking for eight fire truck units.
Councilor Rafael Omega Jr. explained the long process of approving the construction of a new fire station by the national government. According to him, the BFP has a program for procuring fire trucks and equipment (helmets, coats, boots, hoses, etc.) but not fire stations as these will have to be approved by Congress and the President.
This is the reason why the BFP requested for a station from the LGU instead of a fire truck, he said. Ormoc’s new fire marshall CInsp. Charlie M. Gerson in a separate interview said that RA 6975 sec. 56 allows LGUs to establish fire stations as has been done in some cities in Metro Manila like Makati, Taguig, Mandaluyong, etc.
For Minority Floor Leader Rolando M. Villasencio, the P10 million should be spent both on a new fire station and vehicle. But Capahi answered that Villasencio's proposal should have been taken up at the City Development Council (CDC) meeting in Nov. 9 last year or during the time the SP discussed the Annual Investment Plan (AIP).
Ironically, Larrazabal sponsored the said AIP containing the proposed new fire station, being the chairman of the committee on infrastructure. Nevertheless, he maintained his position that fire trucks are more important than buildings.
Capahi reminded his colleagues that the proposal went through a long process spanning four years and eight months beginning with meetings between the LGU and BFP, to the CDC meeting, to its inclusion in the AIP, to committee meetings last Dec. 13 and 20, and culminating to three readings in the SP. “This is not something that was proposed overnight,” he said.
In closing, presiding officer Vice Mayor Nepomuceno P. Aparis opted for a nominal voting which required each member to explain his/her vote. Both Larrazabal and Villasencio voted no. Opposition Councilor Mario Rodriguez abstained as he agrees with fellow oppositionist Villasencio on the need for both a new station and fire truck.
Councilor Sotero Pepito said the existing fire station was actually built by the city on a property also owned by the city. As such, the LGU has the duty to construct a new one. He is also concerned on the safety of the existing station. “If something happens [and] that old building will collapse, how will we answer to the constituents of Ormoc? We might be charged of dereliction of our functions.” he argued.
Councilor Demosthenes Tugonon supported the measure as chairman of the committee on police and fire protection. Councilor Jose C. Alfaro Jr. voted likewise on the belief that a new station is a morale booster for the firemen.
Councilor Lea Doris Capuyan-Villar voted yes for a new station on the condition that another fire truck will be acquired later on. For Sangguniang Kabataan City Federation President Corinne M. Corro, it is a matter of priorities and a new fire station is a priority now. “I believe we have to take [it] one step at a time so first things first,” she said. by Felix N. Codilla III
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)
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