The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will construct fire stations in the municipalities of Sibalom and Belison this year.

In an interview on Thursday, BFP information officer Vilmarie Pagunsan said regional director, Fire Senior Superintendent Jerry Candido, led the April 21 groundbreaking ceremonies for the two new fire stations.

“Our regional director said in his message that the province of Antique is fortunate that soon, there will be 10 typical fire stations,” Pagunsan said.

The typical fire station is a two-story building with a garage that could accommodate two fire trucks, the office of the Fire Marshal, quarters for male and female fire officers, comfort rooms, and a supply room, she added.

The local government units provided the 400-square meter lot for each station while the BFP will extend PHP7.3 million for each construction.

Pagunsan said the projects have been awarded to contractors and construction is expected to start in the coming days.

The municipalities of Tobias Fornier, San Jose de Buenavista, Tibiao, and San Remigio each have a fire station while the construction of fire stations in Hamtic and San Jose de Buenavista is ongoing.

Aside from Sibalom and Belison, the municipalities of Sebaste and Patnongon are also expected to have their fire stations this year. (PNA)