KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – Celebrating three decades of dedicated service, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is encouraging its personnel to continue enhancing their skills in fire protection and in saving lives.

During BFP’s 30th anniversary celebration on August 17 here, BFP Chief Fire Director Jose Embang called on men and women of the bureau to always be ready to respond to the needs of the public and the nation.

With the theme “Salamin ng Nakaraan, Larawan ng Kinabukasan,” the BFP looks forward to a bigger role and leaving a significant impact to the community with its modernization program.  

The BFP chief said, “modernization is not about buying equipment, it is about changing the culture to improve the image of the BFP and should be done with teamwork.”

FDir. Embang also emphasized the importance of four key strategies to attain this goal. He summed it up in four letters, J.O.E.M.:  Join us in this mission on modernizing and capacitating the bureau; Organize the group; Enhance the capacities and learn more; and Motivate others in realizing the vision of the bureau.

Meanwhile, the BFP also recognized its partners during the anniversary program for their support such as the donation of lots for the establishment of new fire stations as well as contributing funds and equipment for its operation.

Among the awardees were the LGUs of Koronadal City, Lake Sebu, Norala and Surallah in South Cotabato and Midsayap and Mlang in Cotabato Province.

Also part of the program was the recognition of the Best Performing Fire Offices in Region 12. Cotabato Provincial Fire Office bested other provinces for the provincial category, Koronadal City Fire Office for the city level and Mlang for the best municipal fire station.

BFP 12 also unveiled a new regional logo in line with the modernization of the bureau. (ORVR/PIA-12)