In a unanimous vote, the Senate passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1832 which seeks to modernize and improve the Bureau of Fire Protection, a priority measure of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Go, principal author of the bill and co-sponsor, said the President understands the severity of the fire incidents the country faces.
“We should be proactive. Aside from being always prepared, the public should likewise be informed how to prevent incidents like fire,” he said.
SBN 1832 mandates the BFP to implement a modernization program that will be geared toward the capability enhancement of its personnel as well as the acquisition of the necessary equipment and facilities for fire prevention and suppression, fire investigation, and emergency medical and rescue services.
Under the program, the BFP shall submit to the Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Budget and Management a revised organization structure of the bureau.
It will likewise establish new training programs and a qualification and upgrading program for its officers and personnel.
Fire protection services and rescue hotlines will also be established in every local government unit while specialized fire protection services shall be created to respond to specific fire situations, such as chemical fires, high-rise building fires, forest fires, and ship and aircraft fires.
