“Nursing taught me to care. The Fire Bureau taught me to fight. The Academy taught me to lead. But life? Life taught me to never stop working…Kobe had the Mamba mentality. I have TIKAL. Tatak Ilonggo, Kaligtasan ang Aming Layunin.”
TIKAL, a digital story by FSSupt Bartolome Beliran (Assistant Regional Director for Operations, BFP R6), Heroes in Focus: Digital Storytelling Workshop for Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines 2025 with Aurelia L Castro, 26-28 September 2025.
He commented: “I chose to tell this story because it is not just a record of my career; it is a reflection of the values that shaped me: discipline from sports, compassion from nursing, courage from the Bureau of Fire Protection, and leadership from the Philippine National Police Academy. I wanted to show that service is not about titles or medals but about growth, resilience, and the willingness to keep learning and giving. By blending personal experiences with professional milestones, this story demonstrates that a life of service is built on heart, sacrifice, and perseverance.
The result of creating this story was clarity and inspiration. It allowed me to connect my journey to a larger purpose: serving the nation with dedication and vision. It reminded me, and those who heard it, that leadership is not about boasting but about building and innovating for others’ safety and well-being. In sharing this story, I was able to inspire colleagues, communities, and even the younger generation that service, whether in firefighting, nursing, or leadership is a calling that demands endurance, humility, and heart.“