Now in its second year, the program honored firefighters whose courage, professionalism, and public service rose above a pool of more than 38,000 personnel nationwide.
The rigorous selection process evaluated socio-civic involvement, innovation, professional achievements, and overall performance, underscoring the depth of talent within the country’s fire service.
Celebrating courage and commitment
“Firefighting is often associated with sirens and danger, but there is another side to the story: the long hours, the discipline, and the compassion you show every day,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said during the ceremony, highlighting the quiet but essential work firefighters perform behind the scenes.
BFP chief Jesus Piedad Fernandez expressed gratitude to SM Prime for its continued support. “This remarkable event is not just a personal achievement for the awardees but a powerful recognition for the entire Bureau of Fire Protection,” he said.
2025 Ten Outstanding Firefighters named
Twenty finalists were recognized during the event, from which ten emerged as the 2025 TOFF awardees—five commissioned officers and five non-commissioned officers.
The commissioned officer awardees are: FSSUPT Bartolome O. Beliran, DSC (BFP Region 6); FSUPT Josephus Franco Alburo (Las Piñas City); FCINSP Zardoz V. Abela (OPFM – Biliran); FSINSP Julius R. Mangrubang (Talavera Fire Station, Nueva Ecija); and FSINSP Karl Aerole M. Rojales (BFP National Headquarters).
The non-commissioned awardees are: SFO1 Jan Vincent R. Alba (Lucena Fire Station); SFO2 Donn Canlas Anloague (Davao City Fire District – SRF); FO3 Dianne Daphne P. Bruno (Santiago City Fire Station); SFO2 Lloyd Casilao Francisco (Botolan Fire Station, Zambales); and FO2 Bernard P. Sureta (Daet Fire Station).
Recognizing excellence and supporting families
The remaining 10 finalists—composed of both NCOs and commissioned officers—were likewise honored for exemplary service. Each of the 10 TOFF winners received a P250,000 cash prize, while the other finalists received P25,000 each.
SM Prime also provided the finalists’ immediate families with complimentary airfare and accommodations at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting those who serve the nation. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
