This study This study explored the experiences of Firefighters in responding to the fire incident at Cabancalan, Mandaue City. In the course of the study, three (3) research problems were answered; namely: (1) What are the challenges encountered by the informants during the said incident; (2) How do the informants address the challenges; and What are the aspirations of the informants? . The chosen respondents for this study were BFP personnel who actively participated in responding to the fire incident that occurred in Cabancalan, Mandaue City on February 11, 2021. Selection of participants was undertaken with careful consideration of specific factors, such as their willingness to openly share their personal experiences and their dedication and enthusiasm for participating in the research. The criteria for selecting informants were as follows: (1) all informants should be currently assigned to the Mandaue City Fire Station, (2) they should possess a minimum of one year of service, (3) all participants were male, and (4) their ages ranged between 23 and 40 years. he phenomenological design was utilized in this study, and the collection of information techniques were: In-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion. The informants were asked to sign the consent with the content of the terms and purposes of the interview, using an audio or video recorder for the purpose of recording the conversation. The in-depth interview was conducted in a place where it was favorable to the informants. The participation of the informants was voluntary, and they were assured of the confidentiality of their identity. A free flowing mode of conversation was obtained and the informants have shared their personal experiences. Nine themes surfaced in this study; namely; The Unyielding Fatigue of Heroic Endeavors, Manpower Scarcity: The Ongoing Struggle for Adequate Resources ,Persistent Health Threats: Firefighters' Enduring Battle for Well-being , The Boundaries of Human Endurance, Harnessing Progress through Technology and The Power of Unity. Based on the findings of the study, personnel responding to fire incidents hold several crucial implications for practice: Incorporating the following key recommendations into firefighting practices is vital for enhancing the safety and effectiveness of firefighting agencies. Firstly, there is a critical need for Enhanced Training Programs, encompassing not only traditional firefighting techniques but also a strong focus on health and safety measures, thus better equipping personnel to handle evolving challenges. Secondly, Technology Integration should be actively pursued, involving modern equipment, data analytics, and communication systems to substantially boost safety and efficiency. Thirdly, drawing from Classical Management Principles can foster motivation and productivity among personnel by recognizing and rewarding exemplary service. Lastly, addressing Manpower Scarcity through effective recruitment and retention efforts is essential to ensure efficient emergency responses and prevent burnout. By prioritizing these areas, firefighting agencies can uphold their noble mission of saving lives and protecting property while ensuring the well-being of their personnel.
