Mandaue City is exploring the use of a Taiwanese firefighting drone capable of carrying fire hoses up to 100 meters high, as part of efforts to improve emergency responses in high-rise buildings. Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano witnessed a demonstration of the drone on Monday, May 25, 2026, which was held at the North Reclamation Area to assess its actual capabilities.
Mayor Ouano's Remarks on the Drone
Ouano stated that the city government is considering renting one unit for a year to evaluate its effectiveness before making a purchase. "If Mandaue City decides to get one, we will probably not purchase it immediately. We may rent it first for one year to determine whether we can really maximize its use," he said. He noted that although the drone was previously shown via YouTube and TikTok, seeing it in person was a different experience. "Videos do not really give justice to how it actually works," he added.
Addressing High-Rise Fire Challenges
The drone is seen as a valuable tool for Mandaue City, which has numerous high-rise buildings. According to the local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), existing ladder trucks can only reach around 35 meters, far less than the drone's 100-meter range. Ouano emphasized that the drone could help firefighters reach upper floors that are inaccessible with conventional equipment while improving responder safety. "It is difficult when our ladders can no longer reach the upper floors. This could also serve as a sprinkler system in areas unreachable by ladders while keeping our firefighters safer," he said.
Background and Testing
The demonstration was originally intended for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, but Ouano requested the company to present the technology to Mandaue City officials, the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the BFP for evaluation. The mayor expressed concerns about the drone's safety, given its ability to fly up to 100 meters while carrying a fire hose connected to ground personnel. The company is still finalizing details on water pressure, currently estimated at three to five bars.
Additional Plans
Ouano clarified that the drone would not replace traditional firefighting operations but would serve as an additional tool. "This will not solve every fire incident alone, but it is better to have this equipment available when needed," he said. He also requested the company to leave one unit temporarily for pilot testing and training of local personnel. The city government is seeking a formal proposal for the city council's evaluation. The equipment is specifically intended for high-rise fire incidents.
