SM Prime, BFP Honor the 2025 Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines

SM Prime and the Bureau of Fire Protection present the 2025 Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines, selected from nearly 40,000 firefighters nationwide, in recognition of their exemplary service in fire suppression, emergency response, community education, and resilience-building initiatives—highlighting the strength of a continuing public–private partnership for a safer, more resilient Philippines.

SM Prime and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) honored the 2025 Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines, celebrating remarkable courage, leadership, and public service across the country. The awarding ceremony, held on December 4 at SMX Aura, brought together SM Prime executives, BFP officials, private-sector leaders, and government representatives led by DILG Usec. Rolando C. Puno.

Now in its second year, the TOFF program continues to highlight firefighters who demonstrate exceptional performance in fire suppression, emergency response, community engagement, and innovative fire-safety practices. The awardees were selected from a competitive pool of nominees nationwide, each undergoing a rigorous evaluation and panel interview process.

“Our firefighters represent the very best of public service — bravely stepping forward when others step back,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim. “Through the Ten Outstanding Firefighters awards, SM Prime hopes to shine a light on their stories of courage and sacrifice, inspiring more Filipinos to appreciate and support the everyday heroes who keep our communities safe.”

Usec. Puno served as the chairperson of the board of judges for the 2025 Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines, alongside Galing Pook Foundation Chairperson Mel Senen Sarmiento; Employers Confederation of the Philippines Chairperson of the TWG on Labor and Social Policy Issues Ernie Cecilia; ECOP Governor and Women’s Business Council of the Philippines President Rhoda Caliwara; PwC Philippines Chairman Emeritus Atty. Alexander Cabrera; and ARISE Global Board Member and SM Supermalls Consultant for Disaster Resilience VAdm. Alexander P. Pama, AFP (Ret.).

Usec. Puno, speaking on behalf of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, said. “Through TOFF, we are affirming our commitment to strengthening fire safety services and extending our gratitude to the men and women of the BFP who never waver in upholding the oath they took. I hope that through this recognition ceremony, we were able to send a clear message to our firefighters – we see you, we value you, and we honor your sacrifices.”

From the nearly 40,000 personnel of the BFP, ten individuals were chosen as this year’s TOFF awardees:

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

FSSUPT Bartolome O. Beliran, DSC – Iloilo Provincial Fire Marshal and concurrent Assistant Regional Director for Operations of Region VI

A topnotcher in the 1995 Nursing Licensure Exam, FSSUPT Beliran conceptualized TIKAL (Tatak Ilonggo Kaligtasan Aming Layunin), a program rooted in Ilonggo identity to foster professionalism and community responsibility. He also founded Bumbyahero (Bumbero, Byahero, Bayani ng Kalikasan)—a fitness and environmental initiative promoting biking, tree planting, and ecological awareness, resulting in 10,300 trees and 6,300 mangroves planted to date.

FSINSP Karl Aerole M. Rojales, RN – Chief, Doctrine Development Section; Concurrent Budget Officer, BFP-NHQ

FSINSP Rojales launched the BFP Training Database System, consolidating training records of all BFP personnel nationwide to support career development. He also coordinated multiple Fire Square Roadshows in SM Supermalls and communities. A registered nurse, he has provided medical care to nearly 800 patients and successfully resuscitated six individuals.

FSINSP Julius Roque Mangrubang – Talavera Fire Station Municipal Fire Marshal; Nueva Ecija Provincial Chief, Special Rescue Force

FSINSP Mangrubang oversaw the installation of CCTV surveillance and solar-powered lighting systems in his station. He secured and repurposed multiple vehicles into Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) and SRF Service Vehicles, and facilitated donations of eight CPR training mannequins and a HAZMAT suit to strengthen provincial training and response capability.

FSUPT Josephus Franco F. Alburo – Las Piñas City Fire Marshal

FSUPT Alburo pioneered several digital systems that improved administrative and operational efficiency across NCR fire stations. His notable initiatives include FIREWATCH, a 24/7 CCTV-based smoke-detection system for early fire detection, and the Automated Check-In System, which uses NFC technology to monitor personnel and equipment in real time during operations.

FCINSP Zardoz V. Abela, RN, MPA – Acting Provincial Fire Marshal, Biliran Province

A registered nurse and master’s degree holder in public administration, FCINSP Abela began his service as an EMS responder during critical emergencies—including Typhoon Yolanda. Driven by his belief that education is key to fire prevention, he lobbied for and helped establish the Biliran Fire Safety Education Center and Training Camp, a facility dedicated to strengthening public safety knowledge and skills.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

SFO1 Jan Vincent R. Alba – Lucena City Fire Station

SFO1 Alba conceptualized, organized, and institutionalized three youth-centered initiatives—the Kiddie Fire Marshal (Elementary), Junior Fire Marshal (High School), and School First Responder (College) programs. He developed educational tools on fire safety, first aid, and emergency response, empowering students to serve as force multipliers and active safety advocates in their schools and communities. He also holds a master’s degree in Disaster Risk Management, which guided him in developing the first GIS-based Decision Support System for the Lucena City Fire Station.

SFO2 Donn C. Anloague – Deputy and Chief Operations, Davao City Fire District–Special Rescue Force

SFO2 Anloague led “Strength in Unity: A Collaborative Training for Unified Rope Rescue Response,” a program covering rope techniques, rescue simulations, and advanced victim extractions across the Davao region. He also spearheaded water-safety training in calamity-prone areas to strengthen community preparedness.

SFO2 Lloyd C. Francisco – Botolan Fire Station, Zambales

SFO2 Francisco co-founded and serves as the Zambales coordinator of Hands Across the Border (HATB), a Philippine-Canadian charity that supports Aeta students through senior high school. He also launched a Goat-Raising Livelihood Project for Aeta parents and organized the Outreach Program for Young Learners, providing school bags, feeding programs, and supplies for underserved communities.

FO3 Dianne Daphne P. Bruno – City of Santiago Fire Station, Isabela

FO3 Bruno lobbied for the enactment of the Santiago City Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan Ordinance, allocating ₱1.5 million for community fire auxiliary training and the Barangay Fire Olympics. This contributed to a 54% decrease in fire incidents in the city. As a writer and journalist, she also educates the public through publications such as Sentinel of the Valley and The Blazing North.

FO2 Bernard P. Sureta – Daet Fire Station–Special Rescue Force

FO2 Sureta, a K9 handler and rescue crew member, was part of BFP’s first international humanitarian mission during the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar in April 2025. He also initiated free training sessions for fur parents in Camarines Norte to promote responsible pet handling and address behavioral concerns in dogs.

Supporting the Country’s Frontline Protectors

Each of the ten awardees received a plaque of recognition and a ₱250,000 cash prize from SM Prime, along with the Medalya ng Natatanging Gawa from the BFP—underscoring the shared commitment of both institutions to honoring frontliners who risk their lives for public safety. All finalists likewise received citations for their contributions to their communities.

“This remarkable event is not just a personal achievement for the awardees, but a powerful recognition for the entire Bureau of Fire Protection,” said FDIR. Jesus P. Fernandez, CESE, Chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection. “This event demonstrates our shared commitment to safety, community service, and national progress.”

For updates on the TOFF program and other SM Prime initiatives, follow @SMSupermalls on social media or visit any SM mall nationwide.