Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla called on newly promoted officers and personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to lead with integrity, set the example, and earn the trust of the Filipino people as they assume greater responsibilities in public service.

Remulla issued the challenge during the oath-taking ceremony and mass donning of ranks for 214 newly promoted BFP personnel on Thursday at the BFP National Headquarters in Quezon City.

“We have many things to do. Many ranks to cleanse. Many fires to put out. But I ask all of you, before you change the system, change yourselves also. Be an inspiration to the people you serve, the people under you. And be an inspiration to the Filipinos,” he said.

The DILG chief underscored that meaningful reform in government begins with personal accountability, recalling that when he entered public service 31 years ago, he first sought to improve himself before working to change the system.

“Ako ang unang nagbago at binago ko ang sistema.”

Remulla also recalled the advice given to him by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he assumed leadership of the DILG, stressing that integrity must never be compromised in public service.

“Nung pumasok ako sa DILG, sabi sa akin ng Presidente, huwag na huwag kang tatanggap ng pera diyan sa jueteng. Huwag mong ipapakain sa pamilya mo ’yan. May malas na kasama ’yan. Ganun din ang pinaparating ko sa inyo,” he said.

He emphasized that promotion is not merely a recognition of rank, but a greater responsibility to uphold the standards of the BFP and protect the trust placed in the institution.

“We should serve with pride and honor. Ang gusto ko, habang nagsisilbi kayo, ang sasabihin ng Pilipino, ‘We trust the BFP. May tiwala kami sa DILG,’” he said.

Of the 214 newly promoted personnel, 195 are junior commissioned officers and 19 are non-commissioned officers.

Among the junior commissioned officers, 29 were promoted to Fire Superintendent, 42 to Fire Chief Inspector, 73 to Senior Fire Inspector, and 51 to Fire Inspector. The 19 non-commissioned officers were promoted across the ranks of Senior Fire Officer 4 to Fire Officer 2.

Also present during the ceremony were DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, Assistant Secretary for Public Safety Richard Thomas F. Joson, and BFP Officer-in-Charge FCSupt. Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu.