THE RECENT third-alarm fire that gutted a portion of a high-rise hotel in Iloilo City was yet another reminder of the persistent equipment gaps in the metro’s firefighting capabilities. Despite the rapid vertical development of Iloilo’s skyline, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) still lacks one of the most essential tools in urban fire response — a government-owned aerial ladder truck.
Yet amid this shortfall, the city did not burn to the ground. It was saved — once again — not only by our professional firefighters but also by our unsung heroes: the volunteer fire brigades.
Groups like Federation Fire Iloilo and the Iloilo City Action Group (ICAG) have long filled the void left by inadequate government resources. Federation Fire can reach up to the 13th floor; ICAG’s ladder truck can go up to the fifth floor and is equipped with a rescue basket. Their members respond not just to hotel fires, but to grassfires, building blazes, and emergencies of every sort, often risking their lives without fanfare, and certainly without the full benefits and support enjoyed by public sector responders.
These are not merely auxiliary teams. They are core responders who deserve institutional support, financial incentives, and permanent integration into the city’s disaster preparedness and emergency response framework.
The truth is, volunteer brigades are no longer just “back-up” forces. They are frontline responders in a city that continues to build upward but has yet to fully invest in upward firefighting capability. Their role is critical, and it is time we formalize their contributions. Local legislation or executive action should secure budget allocations for equipment upgrades, maintenance, training, and safety gear for these volunteer teams. Incentives, insurance coverage, and access to psychosocial support must also be guaranteed. Moreover, their representation in disaster risk reduction planning councils should be institutionalized.
The value of these volunteer groups goes beyond their equipment. They bring experience, agility, and an on-the-ground understanding of Iloilo’s communities. Their ability to mobilize quickly and respond with local knowledge has saved lives and limited property damage on numerous occasions. In many ways, they are closer to the people than national agencies — and thus, they must be empowered accordingly.
As Iloilo City continues to aspire for smart, vertical, and modern urban growth, it must also invest in smart, responsive, and inclusive emergency systems. Supporting our volunteer firefighters is not charity — it is good governance. Because while buildings can rise overnight, the ability to protect lives when disaster strikes must be built over time — and with the right people, the right tools, and the right support.
