Ang Pahayagan

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT– The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Fire Department (SBMA-FD) and the Philippine Public Safety Academy (PPSA) are set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement for the training of cadets from the said school to become future Fire Marshalls.

The plan was revealed by SBMA Fire Chief Ranny Magno during the graduation ceremony for Fire Cadets of PPSA Class of 2025 who have just completed a comprehensive Advance Firefighting Training held from March 24 to 28, 2025.

The 37 cadets of the “Madayawlahi” Class of 2025 comprise the second batch of PPSA students who went through intensive training on firefighting in the Subic Bay Freeport.

“I do hope that for the next batch of cadets, the SBMA and PPSA will already have a formal agreement so that this kind of training can be done on a regular basis,” Magno added.

Part of the weeklong training course are Fire Suppression and Control, Tactics, and Strategies, where cadets grasped additional knowledge and experience in the field of firefighting. This specialized training also provided them with direct exposure to modern firefighting equipment, tools, and tactical scenarios.

PPSA Commandant of Cadets JCInsp Mark Anthony S. Saquing expressed his appreciation to the staff and personnel of the SBMA Fire Department and PPSA who actively played a vital role in implementing the program.

He also thanked Fire Chief Magno, who was also the Course Director, and his training team composed of Deputy Fire Chief Edwin Santos, John Patrick Ablaza., Alvin Laconsay and Romano Custodio for mentoring his cadets.

The training, he said, provided a deeper understanding of fireground tactics, the science behind fire behavior, and the leadership required to protect communities in high-stakes emergencies, which are essential qualities for public safety officers.

“The fires that you battle are not just those that burn in buildings, but also the challenges that will test your character, endurance, and will power. Through this training, you have gained not only the knowledge and skills but also the spirit of a true firefighter-one that never gives up, never backs down and always stand firm in the face of adversity,” Saquing addressed his cadets.

PPSA was created under DILG Circular No. 2022-009 otherwise known as the “Creation and Operationalization of Philippine Public Safety Academy pursuant to Republic Act 11279.” It offers graduate degree courses for BFP and BJMP personnel namely, Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Penology and Corrections Administration.