WITH the safety of citizens and communities foremost in their minds, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are set to distribute 54 brand-new fire trucks to recipient local fire stations on Friday (December 15) at the BFP National Headquarters in Quezon City.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the newly procured 1,000-gallon capacity firetrucks will be distributed to fire stations with no adequate firefighting capability and to re-fleet aging and deteriorating firetrucks.

“The distribution of these modern and state-of-the-art fire trucks is a testament that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the DILG prioritize the safety of our communities and citizens,” he said.

Of the 54 firetrucks, Bicol Region will receive the most firetrucks with eight, followed by Caraga with seven; and Northern Mindanao with five.

Calabarzon, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon will get four firetrucks each; Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, SOCCSKSARGEN, NCR, three each.

Also, two firetrucks each for Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, and BARMM; and one for CAR.

Purchased through the 2022 budget and 2023 Early Procurement Activity, the brand- new fire trucks are fully equipped with basic firefighting equipment, such as Fire Fighting Hoses and nozzles, Foam Generating Nozzle with Alcohol Resistant – Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and other firefighting operation tools and accessories designed using the appropriate fire service standards adaptable to Philippine conditions.

The DILG chief also assured that aside from acquiring new fire trucks, ambulances, and equipment, the firefighters’ skills and expertise will also be enhanced.

It will be done through capacity-building activities that introduce new firefighting techniques, and up-to-date technologies as part of the BFP modernization program.

“A BFP that is responsive to the call of the times and the needs of the people. Iyan ang pangako natin sa taumbayan,” Abalos stressed.

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/To-enhance-firefighting-capability-DILG-BFP-distribute-54-fire-trucks/NC-2023-1290