Every time a fire breaks out, Filipino firefighters rush toward danger, battling flames and smoke to save lives. They face collapsing buildings, scorching heat, and life-threatening situations with little regard for their own safety.
But when they are the ones who get hurt, they often find themselves abandoned by the very system they serve.
Jose Antonio “Ka Pep” Goitia, First Nominee of Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP) Partylist, described the current situation as unacceptable.
“Firefighters are expected to be fearless in the face of danger, but when they suffer injuries, they are left to fend for themselves. It’s as if their bravery is taken for granted,” he said.
According to Goitia, for years, firefighters in the Philippines have been working under hazardous conditions with little to no protection beyond their own courage. They receive minimal hazard pay, and their insurance coverage is often too small to cover even basic medical costs.
Many injured firefighters have had to pay out of pocket for treatment, sometimes relying on personal loans or donations just to afford medical care.
“The amount we give them as hazard pay is insulting compared to the risks they take every single day,” Goitia said.
“These are men and women who run into burning buildings while everyone else is running out. And yet, when they are the ones in need, they are met with bureaucratic delays and insufficient support. It’s an injustice we must correct,” he added.
Goitia said the issue is not just about low hazard pay. Many firefighters lack government-provided accident and life insurance, which means that if they suffer permanent disability or lose their lives in the line of duty, their families are left with nothing.
Those who do have coverage often find that the payouts are far too small to sustain long-term recovery or support their loved ones.
“I have spoken to firefighters who have lost their colleagues in action, only to see their families struggle to make ends meet afterward,” Goitia said. “Imagine giving your life to protect others, only for your own family to be left helpless when you’re gone. How is that fair?”
Determined to change this, ABP vowed to push for legislation that will create a Firefighters’ Protection and Welfare Fund. This will ensure that firefighters injured in the line of duty receive free medical care, hospitalization benefits, and financial assistance.
It will also provide disability support and mental health care for those suffering from trauma due to their service. “It is not enough to call them heroes. We need to treat them as heroes,” Goitia said.
“We need to ensure that when a firefighter falls, there is a safety net to catch them. They should not have to fight two battles—one against fire and another against a system that neglects them.”
Beyond medical and financial aid, ABP party-list is also advocating for better training, upgraded equipment, and improved working conditions. Goitia stressed that prevention is just as important as protection.
“If we equip them properly, we reduce the chances of injuries in the first place. If we train them continuously, we make sure they are prepared for the worst. It’s not just about taking care of them after they get hurt; it’s about protecting them from getting hurt at all.”
Goitia urged both the government and the private sector to step up and recognize the sacrifices of Filipino firefighters.
“These men and women do not ask for much. They do not hesitate to put their lives on the line for people they don’t even know. The least we can do is ensure that if they get hurt, they are taken care of. The least we can do is show them that their sacrifices matter,” he said.
For now, firefighters across the country continue to respond to emergencies, saving lives and risking their own. The question remains: when the rescuers need rescuing, who will answer their call?
