KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- As part of its modernization program, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) inaugurated a two-storey fire station building in Norala town on August 17.
BFP Chief Fire Director Jose Embang Jr., Norala Mayor Clemente Fedoc and BFP 12 Regional Director SSupt. Alven Valdez along with other officials led the blessing of the newly-built facility located at Brgy. Poblacion.
BFP allotted over P7.3 million for the construction of the building situated in a 600 square meter lot donated by LGU Norala.
In his message, FDir. Embang thanked the municipal government and other partner agencies for their support to the fire department, adding that this new facility will certainly provide a more decent workplace to help improve the operation and boost the morale of the men and women of the BFP.
“Dito mismo sa Norala nakita po natin na ang BFP gumanda na. Bagong istasyon, maganda ang firetruck. Salamat po sa inyong mga tulong, sa ating mga kababayan dito lalo na sa ating Mayor, sa support at assistance na ibinibigay continuously sa BFP,” Embang said.
The BFP chief highlighted that with the approval of House Bill 7406 and Senate Bill 1832 or the BFP Modernization Act, the bureau’s mandate is also expected to expand.
“Nag-expand na ang aming function. BFP na ang magiging lead agency sa lahat ng rescue operations at medical services. Magkakaroon din po tayo ng ambulances. Ito ay mangyayari starting next year,” according to Embang.
The bill broadens the mandate of the BFP to include fire prevention and suppression in economic zones, disaster risk response, and emergency management.
It seeks to provide the bureau with modern firefighting tools and life-saving equipment, more employees, and training.
“Ang modernization po ng BFP hindi lamang po ang pagbili ng firetrucks at pagtayo ng bagong stations. Minomodernize din natin ang looks ng mga bumbero natin. Looks dahil overall, hindi lang pisikal, yung character, attitude ng bawat isa dahil ang BFP po ay lumalapit sa ating community upang ipadama at bigyang assurance sila na sila ay safe sa lahat ng pagkakataon na may sakuna at emergencies. ‘Yun ang vision ng BFP ngayon,” the official added.
Fire Director Embang also announced that some additional 30,000 positions in the BFP are expected to be filled starting next year.
The BFP chief is in the Soccsksargen region for a series of events in line with the 30th Anniversary celebration of the bureau. This year’s BFP anniversary goes with the theme “Salamin ng Nakaraan, Larawan ng Kinabukasan,” (ORVR/PIA-12)
