July 9, 2026 – Mayor Bernard S. Waclin expressed his gratitude to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic C. Remulla for granting his request for a brand-new fire truck during the turnover and blessing ceremony held on July 8 at the Municipal Gymnasium in Poblacion.
Mayor Waclin shared that when he personally visited Secretary Remulla’s office earlier this month to follow up on his request, the DILG Secretary immediately handed him the keys to the new fire truck.
The mayor also shared that he requested funding for the construction of a new Itogon Fire Station and a waterworks project, expressing hope that these proposals would likewise be approved.
Mayor Waclin said his continued support for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel in Itogon is his way of recognizing their dedication and service to the community, noting that their work extends far beyond firefighting.
“Nakitak ti napintas nga serbisyo yo,” the mayor said, expressing his appreciation for Itogon BFP (“I have seen your excellent service.”)
He also thanked Vice Mayor Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan for their support in achieving these milestones, and reaffirmed the municipal government’s commitment to supporting the Itogon Fire Station.
BFP-CAR Assistant Regional Director FSSUPT ARTHUR L SAWATE lauded Mayor Waclin’s efforts, noting that Itogon is the first local government unit in the Cordillera Administrative Region to receive a brand-new fire truck through the DILG.
“Nagasat tayo ditoy ili tayo nga Itogon, ken ti pangidaulo ti mayor tayo, daytoy ket mangipakita ti strong leadership na,” he said. (“Our municipality of Itogon is truly fortunate, and this reflects the strong leadership of our mayor.”)
FSSUPT Sawate also delivered the message of BFP-CAR Regional Director FCSUPT LEONIDA V GUMANAB-ROSALES, who commended the local government for its commitment to public safety.
She said: “A fire truck is not just a vehicle; it is a lifeline. It carries not only water, hoses, and tools, but also hope. It carries the assurance that help is on the way. I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who made this possible—to our national leadership, local government, stakeholders, and community leaders. Thank you for recognizing the importance of investing in fire protection and public safety.”
Itogon Acting Municipal Fire Marshal FINSP JULIUS T WANAWAN likewise thanked Mayor Waclin for his unwavering support and efforts in securing the new fire truck, saying that it will significantly enhance the emergency response capability of the Itogon Fire Station and strengthen the municipality’s fire protection services.
During the blessing ceremony, Itogon Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Councilor Kennedy W. Waclin led the traditional Pedad di Dad-an di Lugan ritual, invoking blessings and protection for the new fire truck, its operators, and everyone it will serve. The ritual was followed by a religious blessing officiated by Pastor Judith Anecito.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic wet-down and push-over, a longstanding firefighting tradition that marks the official commissioning of a new fire truck into active service.
