MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is revving up its fire protection capabilities in Lanao del Sur with new fire stations and fire trucks for municipalities that currently lack them.
Acting Provincial Fire Marshal FSInsp. Ysrael Kamid said this initiative is part of the nationwide BFP Modernization Program, which aims to improve the skills of BFP personnel and procure advanced facilities and equipment for fire prevention, suppression, and investigation, as well as emergency medical and rescue services.
“Ang modernization program ay nag-umpisa na this year. Kasama sa implementation is the fire protection services and the construction of fire stations, the provision of fire trucks, ambulances, and other rescue vehicles,” he shared during the second quarter joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drugs Abuse Council (PADAC) on June 26.
(The modernization program has started this year. Included in the implementation are the fire protection services, the construction of fire stations, and the provision of fire trucks, ambulances, and other rescue vehicles.)
Only 19 of the province’s 40 local government units have fire stations.
According to Kamid, construction is already underway for fire stations in Amai Manabilang and Kapatagan municipalities, while the funds for the remaining 19 were already requested from the Department of Budget and Management.
Kamid clarified that prior to the implementation of the fire station project, recipient local government units must donate land where the facility would be constructed. He emphasized that the land should have enough space for fire trucks, equipment, and potential future expansion under the 10-year modernization program.
The provincial fire marshal also revealed that municipalities lacking a fire truck are planning to acquire one. “The procurement of our fire trucks is still ongoing. Hopefully, within this year, we will release it,” he added.
Aside from the fire station and fire trucks, the BFP modernization program also includes training for BFP personnel to improve their response to disasters, calamities, and fire incidents. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
