LA TRINIDAD officials are seeking for additional fire truck to efficiently respond to fire-related emergency in the municipality.
On March 13, the Municipal Council unanimously approved the resolution requesting Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Ano to include the capital town of Benguet as one of the recipients of one fire truck.
Vice Mayor Joey Marrero said the municipality has existing four units of fire truck, which were acquired and donated as secondhand trucks.
"While these fire trucks are still functional, its efficiency is oftentimes compromised as it has already outlived its useful life and needs regular repair and maintenance," the council resolution stated.
More than decades now, the fire trucks are still being used in servicing fire-related emergency situations within the 16 barangays.
"In time with the observance of Fire Prevention Month, and adhering to the commitment of the DILG to procure equipment and necessary resources to deliver quality fire protection services, it is an appropriate opportunity for the municipality to request for assistance," it added.
Marrero also requested for the construction of substations in the approved resolution.
"Our place is fire-prone area because of many structures," he said.
The substation is eyed in far areas of Ambiong, Beckel, Lubas and Puguis.
Municipal Fire Marshall Senior Inspector Francisco Copes said an ideal ratio for fire trucks is 1: 10,000.
Copes said substation in the valley are needed for easy access to far-flung areas in the municipality that remain as challenge for responding fire incidents, with only one fire station located in Cabanao, Balili.