Mandaue acquires automated fire trucks

CEBU, Philippines – The Mandaue City government purchased two automated fire trucks costing P22 million.

According to city spokesperson Roger Paller, the units are the “latest model” from Austria’s Rosenbauer, supplied to the city by Boston Home Inc. The automated fire trucks the city has procured are said to be the first in the country.

The two trucks, worth P22 million altogether, were turned over on Wednesday to the city through Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (DRRMO) Felix Suico Jr.

Paller said the trucks will be in custody of the DRRMO “to boost its capacity in responding to fire and calamities.”

The turnover ceremony started with a blessing of the fire trucks officiated by Fr. Mariano Cuarto of St. Joseph Academy, and witnessed by executive secretary to the mayor Atty. Jamaal James Calipayan, city officials, and members of Bantay Mandaue.

Bernard Tiongson, general manager of Manila-based Boston Home Inc., said the units have a special feature of an automated remote controlled water/foam outlet located at the top of the vehicle.

He said Mandaue is the first in the Philippines to purchase this model.

 “This is a good choice because with this feature, it reduces the risk of personnel who will operate it manually from being injured. And besides, it increases the pressure of the water/foam cannons,” said city fire marshal Joel Abarquez, who was also present during the turnover.

The fire marshal also added that with the slim size of the vehicle, it can also be brought to areas with narrow access roads.

Meanwhile, Suico said they will train personnel to man these trucks, which will be stationed at Bantay Mandaue command center at the City Hall grounds.

Other features of the fire trucks include a water pump engine with a capacity to pump 3,000 liters per hour, capability to handle foam mix for industrial fire, and fully computerized system, among others. — Liv G. Campo (FREEMAN)