BFP eyes 16 more municipal fire stations

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said Wednesday that it is planning to put up additional fire stations, particularly in municipalities that have none, as part of the government’s fire service modernization efforts.

“Ang target namin na remaining ay 16 fire station sa mga municipal area na wala pang kasalukuyang fire station, isa iyan sa goal namin,” said BFP spokesperson Fire Supt. Anthony Arroyo in “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.” 

(Our remaining target is 16 fire stations in municipal areas that currently do not have one, that is one of our goals.) 

Under the BFP Modernization Law, Arroyo said they were able to procure additional ambulances and fire trucks this year. 

“...At nagkaroon ng karagdagan, mga 200 plus na ambulances for this year alone; rescue vehicle ay may additional six; and sa fire truck, ang bilang namin for this year ay 66 fire trucks,” he added. 

(...And there have been additions: over 200 ambulances for this year alone; six additional rescue vehicles; and for fire trucks, our count for this year is 66.) 

The BFP was also able to recruit 2,700 more personnel, he said. 

“Nagdadagdag pa kami ng more technical people to deal with this talagang mga innovative na mga kagamitan and structure as well, so continuous ang hiring naman, para ma-facilitate iyong mga ganitong programa,” said Arroyo. 

(We are adding more technical people to deal with these truly innovative equipment and structures as well, so our hiring is continuous to facilitate these kinds of programs.) 

Further, the BFP official said they are lobbying before Congress to amend Republic Act 9515 or the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008. 

“So, mayroon kaming nakita doon sa fire code natin na hindi na siya ideal or hindi na siya akma. So, gumagawa tayo ng paraan paano iyon ma-improve,” said Arroyo. 

(We saw things in our fire code that are no longer ideal or suitable. So, we are finding ways on how that can be improved.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News