Senator Camille Villar paid tribute to the heroism and dedication of the country’s firefighters as she addressed the Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region (BFP-NCR) during its 34th Founding Anniversary celebration on Thursday.

Speaking before BFP personnel at the commemorative event on Friday, Villar emphasized the crucial role of firefighters in safeguarding lives and property, calling on them to “continue to serve the country with fervor to save lives.”

“Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay hindi lang pagbabalik-tanaw. isa rin itong pagtanaw sa kinabukasan—isang panawagan na magpatuloy kayo sa inyong sinimulan: na maging apoy ng malasakit, liwanag ng serbisyo, at haligi ng kaligtasan para sa bawat Pilipino (This celebration is not just a look back; it is also a glimpse into the future—a call for you to continue what you have started: to be a fire of compassion, a light of service, and a pillar of safety for every Filipino),” the neophyte senator said.

The event, which carried the theme, “Apoy ng Serbisyong Kapital,” highlighted the commitment and sacrifices of the BFP-NCR personnel in responding to emergencies across Metro Manila. 

Villar, currently the youngest member of the 20th Congress, lauded the firefighters for their courage in the face of danger.

“Ang Bureau of Fire Protection ay hindi lamang grupo ng mga bumberong lumalaban sa apoy. Kayo po ay mga tagapagtanggol ng buhay, mga unang tumutugon sa sakuna, mga tagapaghatid ng pag-asa sa gitna ng panganib,” she said.

Villar also recognized the daily risks that firefighters take during each dispatch, commending their bravery and compassion as public servants. She congratulated the BFP-NCR on its milestone and extended her salute to the awardees who were recognized for outstanding service.

“Ang inyong presensya sa bawat barangay, sa bawat lungsod, at sa bawat bahay na tinutulungan ninyong iligtas—ay patunay na ang BFP ay isang buhay na simbolo ng malasakit at katapangan,” she added.

The senator’s message was a powerful call for continued excellence and resilience within the bureau, as it looks toward the future while honoring decades of public service.