HISTORY OF ILOILO CITY FIRE STATION as of the year 2023

The Iloilo City Fire Station, with a history spanning 57 years, has evolved from its humble
beginnings into a respected institution that plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community.
During the 1960s, the Iloilo City Fire Department was established as a part of the Local
Government structure. It was initially led by the inaugural City Fire Marshal, COLONEL CARLOS
T GANZON, who served from June 20, 1966, to April 8, 1967. At that time, the first Iloilo City
Fire Station was a two storey building located at Gen. Macario Peralta Jr Dr, Iloilo City. It was
constructed using lightweight materials which served as both the office and personnel
headquarters. The fire department's operational fleet consisted of only two vehicles, namely,
BUSTER 2 and Isuzu Moreta fire truck.
Through time, there have been several City Fire Marshals who have played pivotal roles in
enhancing the Iloilo City Fire Station over the years. Notable among them are COL. VICTOR L
DABAN, who served from April 9, 1967, to August 14, 1974, and
F/COL EDGAR G. GIMOTEA, who succeeded him from August 15, 1974, to May 23, 1988. During
his tenure, significant advancements were made, including the establishment of three (3)
substations: Molo Fire substation, Lapaz Fire substation, and Jaro Fire substation.
He was followed by F/CAPT. ELEUTERIO N ITURRIAGA (May 24, 1988, to July 15, 1989), who
during his time had worked beside, FIRE COLONEL EDGAR G. GIMOTEA, who was successfully
seated as Fire Chief. They had recognized the need for improvements of the old Fire Station
hence requested funding from the BFP National Headquarters Office to rebuild the Iloilo City
Fire Station.
F/MAJ. ROLANDO N JACOMILLE (August 16, 1989, to August 11, 1993), had pioneered the
naming of the firetrucks to “Busters” which means one that eliminates symbolizing their role in
extinguishing fires, thus signifying their ability to eradicate this peril.
F/MAJ. WILLIAM I DEL ROSARIO JR. (August 12, 1993, to October 1, 1996), SUPT. CASIANO P
DEL CASTILLO (October 2, 1996, to September 14, 1997), and SINSP MUMAR P PAMA
(September 15, 1997, to December 31, 1991).
During the leadership of SINSP ROEL JEREMY G DIAZ (from January 2000 to October 09, 2005),
the Arevalo (B4) and Mandurriao (B3) fire substations were established. It was through him that
the Executive Order 399 was crafted, which designated that 50% of the Iloilo City Fire Funds
would be allocated to the Iloilo City Fire Station. These funds are meant to cover the expenses
of the fire station. SINSP Diaz also requested the Local Government Unit (LGU) to provide
allowances to the 120 firefighters of the Iloilo City Fire Station serving in Iloilo City.
INSP NILO G PACIFICO (October 10, 2005, to April 13, 2008) was responsible for establishing
the Bo. Obrero Fire Substation.
CINSP RODOLFO P DENAGA (April 14, 2008, to August 3, 2011) was notable for enforcing RA
9514 otherwise known as the fire code of the Philippines of 2008 the principal law governing
the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires and the professionalization of the fire
service as a profession. He had faced many challenges in Implementing the fire code of the
Philippines of 2008 and forging relationships with volunteer fire brigades.
CINSP GERRY G BERTE (August 4, 2011, to October 9, 2013) introduced various improvements
at the Iloilo City Fire Station, including systematic renaming of fire trucks, renaming of call signs
for fire substations, and the regular conduct of Signal Checks at every substation.
In the annals of Iloilo City's fire department, a noteworthy pattern emerges among its Fire
Marshals. Two exceptional individuals, F/COL EDGAR G. GIMOTEA and F/MAJ. ROLANDO N.
JACOMILLE, stood out as exemplars of leadership and dedication, having ascended to the
highest echelons of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Their illustrious careers have not only
brought honor to the Iloilo City Fire Station but have also made a testament to the remarkable
qualities of Ilonggos whom are known for their resilience, and strong work ethic which
consistently stand out in various fields, making significant contributions wherever they go.
From October 10, 2013 up to June 26, 2017, SUPT JERRY D CANDIDO assumed as the Officer-
in- Charge of Iloilo City Fire Station with the longest tenure which lasted for four years. He had
been a very dynamic leader who introduced numerous advancements to the office. In a year,
he activated Two (2) Fire substations namely the Tagbac Fire Substation last March 27, 2014
and San Isidro Fire Substation last July 11, 2014. He magnified good relationships with volunteer
Fire Brigades and all first responders.
He implemented a highly effective and streamlined system for managing firefighting and
emergency medical response services. He innovated the procurement of additional equipment
which significantly enhanced the fire safety services provided by the Iloilo City Fire Station to
the Ilonggos.
With the Direction of FIRE CHIEF BOBBY BARUELO, and the Assistance of SUPT LINDY C LAUZON,
Regional Director of BFP 6, and SUPT CANDIDO the Special Rescue Unit (SRU) Jaro Fire Sub-
Station was activated on March 21, 2016. The unit originally consisted of 14 people and was led
by SINSP CRISTOPHER R REGENCIA, Chief SRF.
SUPT CANDIDO was followed by many more, great leaders. CINSP BARTOLOME O BELIRAN
served as the Officer-in-Charge of Iloilo City Fire Station on June 27, 2017 up to December 31,
2017.
He was succeeded by CINSP CRISTOPHER G REGENCIA on January 1, 2018 until January 19,
2020. As the Chief SRF of Region 6, he had trained the Special Rescue Unit (SRU) now known as
Special Rescue Force (SRF) Jaro Fire Sub-Station. Through his tireless efforts and hands-on
leadership, the Special Rescue Force (SRF) of Iloilo City Fire Station have maintained a strong
safety record over the years, with only six brave firefighters being injured through the years of
dangerous and hazardous operations. The motto "SAFE SYSTEM, SAVE LIVES" underscores the
importance of well-trained and careful practices in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety
of both the firefighters and the individuals they are tasked to rescue. This reflects the
dedication, professionalism, and commitment of the SRF to their duties and the safety
protocols they adhere to during their operations. The emphasis on safety not only protects the
lives of the firefighters but also contributes to the effectiveness of their rescue missions. It's a
testament to the value of ongoing training and the implementation of safe practices in a high-
risk environment.
The Special Rescue Force now boasts a strength of 31 personnel in the whole region, 15 of
whom are assigned to the Iloilo City Fire Station.
Then came the noteworthy appointment of the very first Female Fire Marshal, CINSP MELANIE
G HABAWEL, last January 20, 2020 until July 20, 2020. During her seat, she had directly been
involved in the implementation of the health and safety protocols for Iloilo City in the fight
against the COVID-19 outbreak. It was under her initiative that a request had been sent to the
local government of Iloilo City for additional funds to cover the allowances of the Iloilo City Fire
Station personnel. The number of Firefighters receiving these allowances increased from the
initial 120 to 160.
SINSP JESUS J VALENZUELA succeeded her on July 21, 2020, until May 04, 2021. During his
tenure, he successfully procured four Fire Motorcycles equipped with Fire Extinguishers,
enhancing the response capability for vehicular fires.
CINSP PUBLIO D PLOTEÑA took over on May 05, 2021, until October 03, 2022. Under his
leadership, the Iloilo City Fire Station welcomed the addition of an Ambulance Red Saver and
FE12.
CINSP VENCIE JOJO P ALDEGUER assumed the role on October 3, 2022, until August 24, 2023.
During his term, significant advancements were made, including the commissioning of an
Ambulance Florian 1 and the acquisition of the very first Chemical Fire Truck, Hino 500.
Throughout the tenures of SINSP VALENZUELA, CINSP PLOTEÑA, and CINSP ALDEGUER, and
the generosity of Hon. Mayor Jerry P Treñas and the Iloilo City Government the meticulous
planning for the new Iloilo City Fire Station was realized.
In the current moment, FSUPT MELANIE G HABAWEL has made another history by making a
comeback assuming the esteemed position of City Fire Marshal, becoming the first Officer to
serve two distinct terms in this role.
Simultaneously, the Iloilo City Fire Station stands as a bastion of preparedness and service, with
its infrastructure and resources reflecting a commitment to the safety of the community it
serves. Comprising 1 central station and an extensive network of 11 sub fire stations. The
establishment boasts an impressive fleet of 17 fire engines, a dedicated rescue truck, and a trio
of ambulances. These assets are complemented by a total of 159 officers and personnel
together with 10 fire Aides who tirelessly work to protect and serve the city as part of the
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
The move to the new station building last October 04, 2023 signifies a momentous transition
for the Iloilo City Fire Station. While leaving behind the old facility, the department carried
forward a profound sense of history and tradition that had shaped its identity. The transition
marked the beginning of a new chapter, but it does so with a deep respect for the past,
honoring the legacy of dedication and service that has defined the Iloilo City Fire Station
throughout its long and storied history.