Being a fireman per se can be compared to being a real-life superhero. Protecting the people is their primary mission and saving properties is part of their job.
But being the people’s savior in times of disaster does not need that you can forego your passion and style. This is the case of FO1 Cris Jefferson Mendoza and his love for riding. Particularly, his fondness for his Honda ADV 150.
It was a rainy afternoon when the MNLToday.ph staff visited the Bureau of Fire Protection in Cabuyao, Laguna where FO1 Mendoza is assigned. Upon arrival at the station, one cannot help but notice the “fire-red” shine of the station’s fire trucks. As the saying goes, if looks could kill, or in the case of Mendoza’s Honda ADV 150, this has been long gone destroyed.
Mendoza’s love for riding has given him more focused on his work. “Tuwing nagraride ako gamit ang Honda ADV 150, nagiging clear ang isip ko at narerelax ako. Kumprotable kasi gamitin ang motor na ito and kahit malubak ka, or mag-off-road ka, walang problema. Malaking tulong ito para sa katulad kong bumbero na mahirap ang trabaho. Pero kahit ganun pa man, isa akong proud fireman” shared Mendoza.
Currently, there are 17 fire regional offices and 146 city fire stations. their primary functions are:
- Prevention and suppression of all destructive fires;
- Enforcement of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) of the Republic Act No. 9514 otherwise known as the Fire Code of the Philippines (PD 1185) and other related laws;
- Investigate the causes of fires and if necessary, file a complaint to the city or provincial prosecutor relating to the case;
- In events of national emergency, will assist the military on the orders of the President of the Philippines;
- And establish at least one fire station with all personnel and equipment per municipality and provincial capital.
As a fireman, Mendoza always carries his badge with pride. But being a proud owner of a red flaming HOnda ADV 150, it gives him a purpose to serve and protect the lives and properties of his constituents and at the same time, doing this with style and comfort especially sometimes, when they respond to calls and the streets or roads there are narrow and bumpy, his trusty Honda ADV 150 will be sure to arrive at the scene first.
