House gives final OK to BFP modernization bill

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to strengthen and modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

With a vote of 223-0, the chamber approved House Bill 7406, or the proposed Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act.

The measure primarily aims to ensure public safety through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires through the modernization of the existing BFP.

It also enumerates the additional functions to be undertaken by the BFP, including the prevention and suppression of fires in all buildings, houses, economic zones, parks, and other establishments, as well as the establishment and maintenance of regional arson laboratories and research and testing facilities.

The BFP is also mandated under the measure to respond to disasters, whether natural or human-induced, and other emergencies, including rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive materials.

The agency, likewise, is now tasked to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in all local government units, particularly in informal settler areas and economically-depressed areas.

Moreover, the BFP is now mandated to issue a fire safety evaluation clearance as a prerequisite for the issuance of a building permit.

The bill establishes the components of the Fire Protection Modernization Program, which include the following:

• Fire Protection Service
• Force restructuring and organizational development
• Capability, material and technology development,
• Specialized services development, and
• Human resource development

The BFP is direct to recommend and submit to the Department of Budget and Management, through the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the revised organizational structure and staffing pattern for its officers and personnel.

The revised organizational structure should include all the offices of the BFP, specifically the National Headquarters, the regional, provincial, district, city, and municipal fire stations, the Fire Training Service, and the BFP Central and Regional Hospitals.

The submission of the revised organizational structure should be done within 90 days from promulgation of the implementing rules and regulations of the measure.

Following its approval on third reading, the measure can now be sent to the Senate for its own deliberation and consideration. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News