FOR assisting the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Cordillera in its push for modernization, several individuals and groups who have given significant contributions toward the bureau's modernization will be awarded August 23 in Baguio City.

The awarding coincides with the BFP's 28th anniversary celebration.

Several municipalities, barangays and private individuals who donated lots for the construction of the different fire stations in the region will be among the honorees.

Fire Chief Superintendent Maria Sophia Mendoza, BFP-Cordillera director, said the largest lot donation came from Barangay Agbannawag in Tabuk City, Kalinga, where they donated a 2,000-square-meter lot to be used for the construction of a fire station.

In his recent State of the Nation Address (Sona), President Rodrigo Duterte emphasized the need for a Fire Protection Modernization program.

Last year in Baguio City, a third fire substation located at West Quirino Hill started to serve the areas of East, Middle and Lower Quirino Hill, including the area of Pinget and Happy Homes Barangays in line with the city's development plan, allocating P6 million for the fire substation.

Then Baguio City mayor Mauricio Domogan said plans are being studied for the creation of additional fire substations in various areas in the city for the firefighters to respond to fire incidents immediately.

The awarding activity starts with a thanksgiving service at 2 p.m. Friday, August 23, to be followed by the awarding ceremony.