The presidential task force on El Niño has directed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to inspect and ensure the fire safety of all public hospitals and public health facilities.
During a meeting, task force chairperson and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that the BFP “must ensure a safe environment for everyone, especially of those seeking healthcare services and of the medical, healthcare service, and related professionals and workers.”
“Together, we must reduce the overall risk of fire-related incidents, accidents, and emergencies, most especially in all public hospitals and public health facilities,” Teodoro emphasized.
Police Captain Umar Aduca, who represented the BFP during the Task Force El Niño meeting, said the BFP “would immediately convey” Teodoro’s guidance to Secretary of Interior and Local Government Benjamin Abalos Jr..
“Fire safety is of paramount importance in order to preserve lives and protect properties,” Aduca said.
“We must protect individuals from harm and ensure their well-being. We must decrease the risk of property loss, destruction, and financial losses. We must reinvigorate the promotion of public safety.”
Under President Marcos’ Executive Order No. 53, which directs the
government to streamline, reactivate, and reconstitute the old El Niño task forces under EO No. 16 (s. 2001) and Memorandum Order No. 38 (s. 2019), Teodoro was appointed chairperson of the task force, with Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum designated as co-chairperson.
Signed on Jan. 19, 2024, President Marcos’ executive order directs
the task force to develop a comprehensive disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan for El Niño and La Niña to provide “systematic, holistic, and results-driven interventions” to help the public cope and minimize their devastating effects.
The President also designated the following officials as task force
members: Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Secretary of Agriculture Francis Tiu Laurel Jr.,
Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa, and Secretary of National
Economic and Development Authority Arsenio Balisacan.