Due to the modernization program of the government, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) now has the strength and capability to keep up with the modern era.
According to BFP Chief Director Louie S. Puracan, the modernization program has allowes the BFP to meet the challenges of the times, citing the increase of the bureau’s fire trucks, ambulances, and equipment.
Puracan said that in 2024, the government will continue to allocate funds to the BFP modernization program.
As part of the program, Congress will allocate an additional P3 billion for BFP’s modernization, he said..
Earlier, the BFP received an unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) for the first time in the fiscal year of 2022 and it got a perfect score of 20.
Based on the COA report, the BFP received a 93 percent score with an equivalent rating of excellent from the first Financial Performance Rating report.
The COA favored the action since as part of the government’s modernization program, 54 new fire trucks were distributed to local BFP fire stations.
DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the newly purchased fire truck have a 1,000-gallon capacity and are distributed to fire stations that do not have sufficient firefighting capabilities.
“The distribution of these modern and innovative fire trucks is proof that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the DILG pprioritizes the safety of our communities and people,” he said.
Out of 54 firetrucks, the Bicol Region got the most with eight, followed by Caraga with seven and Northern Mindanao with five.
The DILG chief assured the BFP that in addition to acquiring new fire trucks, ambulances, and equipment, the skills and expertise of firefighters will also be developed.