The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday distributed 35 brand new fire trucks to pre-selected cities and municipalities nationwide to help boost their firefighting capability.
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. said the acquisition of the fire trucks was part of the modernization program of the Bureau of Fire Protection to meet the ideal ratio of one fire truck for every city or municipality.
“Through these fire trucks which will be distributed to 35 fire stations in key cities and municipalities all over the country, we will be able to bolster the BFP’s capability to respond to fire incidents in their communities,” said Abalos in a ceremonial turnover at the BFP national headquarters in Quezon City.
“At the end of the day, we want to give our people a sense of security and safety that the BFP is at their service and is ready and equipped to help them during fire emergencies,” he added.
Four of the 35 fire trucks were given to local government units in the regions of Ilocos, Bicol and Eastern Visayas; one each for Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga and the National Capital Region; three each for Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao; five in Southern Tagalog; and two each in Western Visayas and Zamboanga.
The fire trucks with a diesel type engine equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system and Euro IV compliant include 4,000-liter capacity water tank, fire pump system with round the pump foam proportioning system, 200-liter foam tank, firefighting equipment, tools and accessories using appropriate fire service standards adaptable to Philippine conditions.
During the event, Abalos urged local officials present to enter into a usufruct agreement with the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, or BFP for the purpose of building fire, police and jail stations.
“Let’s work together to solve the issues and problems of our country, especially about safety for the peace of mind of the citizens,” he said.
Also present during the turnover ceremony were DILG Undersecretaries Serafin Barretto, Jr., Felicito Valmocina, and Atty. Margarita Gutierrez; BFP Chief, F/Dir. Louie Puracan; BFP chief of directorial staff Supt. Jesus Fernandez; and the local chief executives of the recipient-LGUs.