PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended his warmest congratulations to class “Bagong Sinag”, the newest graduates of the Fire Officers Advance Course of the National Fire Training Institute at a virtual ceremony held on Tuesday, August 31.
In a video message, Go recognized the heroism of firefighters who sacrifice their lives to keep communities safe. He described them as “modern-day heroes”, comparing them to those who demonstrate the same courage in protecting the welfare, well-being and way of life of the Filipino people.
“I am confident that our nation has gained another batch of high-caliber fire fighters who have been trained by this esteemed institution. As you welcome a new chapter in your lives, I am confident that your skills in fire prevention and passion to save lives have molded you into strong, reliable and courageous heroes for our nation,” said Go.
“It is timely to celebrate this milestone as we just commemorated the National Heroes Day. With the nature of your job, it is without a doubt that you are all considered our modern-day heroes. And with that, mabuhay po kayong lahat!” he applauded.
Class Bagong Sinag is composed of 110 fire commissioned officers with the rank of Fire Senior Inspector or Fire Captain. Upon graduating from the advance course, the officers may be promoted to Fire Major, Fire Chief Inspector or hold other positions equivalent to the said rank.
The Senator, a fire safety advocate and vice chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order, acknowledged in his message the dangers that firefighters face when they respond to emergency situations and recalled an incident which opened his eyes to their need for more resources and greater protection.
“Witness ako mismo dahil umiikot ako sa mga nasunugan. Naabutan ko minsan, kahit madaling araw, sumusuong ‘yung mga fire fighters natin … Bawat oras, bawat minuto na pumapasok kayo para labanan ang pagpatay ng apoy ay nakasalalay rin ang buhay ninyo,” said Go.
“May mga pamilya rin kayo. Alam kong napakahirap ng trabaho niyo. Sugal ang trabaho niyo. Maraming beses na naabutan ko ‘yung mga fire fighters na nakipaglaban para maisalba ‘yung mga bahay at buhay ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino,” he continued.
Go authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1832 which directs the Bureau of Fire Protection to implement a modernization program geared towards the acquisition of new fire equipment, hiring of additional personnel and provision of specialized training for firefighters.
The bill, filed in 2020, also directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit. A bicameral conference committee report of the bill was ratified by the Senate on August 4 and is expected to be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Paulit-ulit namin sinasabi ni Pangulong Duterte na ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng taong bayan ang aming pinaka-unang prayoridad. Kaakibat riyan ay ang pagsiguro ng kinakailangang kagamitan sa pagresponde sa oras ng sakuna at dekalidad at naaayon sa international standards,” explained Go.
“Ibig sabihin, karagdagang fire fighters at modernong kagamitan. Of course, importante din ‘yung monthly education campaigns dahil bawat bahay na nasusunog, damay ang kapitbahay. Kawawa ang mga kababayan natin lalo na sa rural areas at mga illegal settlers na dikit-dikit ‘yung bahay. Kailangan natin silang paalalahanan, turuan na mag-ingat,” he urged.
The Senator stated that the Fire Prevention Modernization Act is a recognition of the importance of the BFP and a way of honoring the sacrifices and dedication of the country’s firefighters and to ensure they receive the treatment, incentives, and protection they deserve from government.
