Megaworld’s P45-M fire station to boost emergency response in Bacolod

Property giant Megaworld has partnered with the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (BFCCCII) to establish a PHP45-million modern fire station in The Upper East township in Bacolod City.

The two-story facility, which will serve as a vital hub for emergency and disaster response, will rise on a 2,000 square meter lot within the 34-hectare mixed-use community.

In a statement on Wednesday, Megaworld Estate Management head Don Earl Caagbay said the initiative reflects the company’s “long-term commitment to creating safer and stronger communities in localities where we build our townships.”

“We believe that building sustainable townships also entails investing in infrastructure and essential services that enable communities to thrive, remain resilient and stay protected,” he added.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Megaworld president and chief executive officer Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso and BFCCCII president Elbert Valencia.

The BFCCCII runs the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade in this highly urbanized city.

Megaworld has yet to formally announce the target date of completion and operation of the fire station.

Once completed, The Upper East fire station, which will rise at the corner of Burgos Street and Cornell Loop, can accommodate around 20 emergency response vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances.

It will also be equipped with a state-of-the-art operations command center, administrative offices, lecture and training room, receiving area, dedicated lockers, sleeping quarters, comfort rooms, exercise area, kitchen, pantry and storage and utility spaces.

Within the complex, a four-story drill tower will provide firefighters with a dedicated training facility to enhance operational readiness and emergency response skills.

The Upper East is home to several themed residential developments, among these the 26-story Kensington Sky Garden, and also hosts Bacolod’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified office building, No. 1 Upper East Avenue, and the Philippines’ biggest Landers Superstore.* (Nanette Guadalquiver)