Laoag: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) led the unveiling and blessing of its newly-acquired Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles at the Laoag International Airport on Monday to boost its emergency response capabilities. Acting Civil Aviation Area Manager Rosito Tamayo Jr. said this marks a significant step in CAAP's ongoing nationwide modernization program.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tamayo stated that the Oshkosh Striker 6x6 fire truck has a 12,000-liter capacity and is reserved exclusively for the airport from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. "It will enable our level of protection to reach Category 9, which means we can respond to aircraft as large as the Airbus 330," he said, noting that this has long been a goal of CAAP Laoag to improve the airport's emergency response and readiness, especially as the Laoag-Honolulu direct flight progresses.
Each ARFF vehicle is equipped with advanced firefighting systems, including 1,750 liters of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and 250 kilograms of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP), ensuring a rapid, efficient, and effective response to aviation-related emergencies. This initiative is part of CAAP's nationwide modernization program, which aims to upgrade the country's firefighting and rescue fleet, in line with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to upgrade airports and enhance regional connectivity.
Other airports with additional ARFF include Butuan, Siargao, Busuanga, General Santos, Tacloban, and Bicol International Airport.
