THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) says it has upgraded its firefighting capabilities with the acquisition of new fire trucks, ambulances, and other equipment.
According to BFP chief Louie Puracan, they recently received 54 new fire trucks distributed to the regions that needed them most.
Puracan said that next year, the BFP could expect more support from the national governmen’s continuing modernization program for essential services.
As part of the program, Congress is expected to allocate an additional P3 billion for BFP’s modernization, Puracan added.
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.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said the newly purchased fire trucks with a 1,000-gallon capacity were distributed to fire stations that do not have sufficient firefighting equipment.
“The distribution of these modern and innovative fire trucks is proof that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the DILG prioritizes 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 would also be enhanced.