Bill modernizing BFP gets final Senate nod

Courtesy of BFP Muntinlupa City

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to strengthen and modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

With 23 affirmative votes and no negative votes, senators passed Senate Bill No. 1832 or the proposed Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act.

The measure seeks to provide the bureau with modern firefighting tools and life-saving equipment, more employees, and training.

The measure sought to raise the standard of the BFP to make it at par with those in other countries.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who sponsored the bill as chairman of the Senate public order committee, welcomed the passage of what he described as a “life-saving” measure.

“We will not allow the BFP to prevent and suppress destructive fires alone. Sa tulong ng Senate Bill No. 1832, masisiguro natin na magkakaroon ng sapat na fire officers, fire trucks, personal protective equipment at ibang equipment na kailangan para maapula ang mga nakakamatay na sunog,” Dela Rosa said.

(We will not allow the BFP to prevent and suppress destructive fires alone. With the help of Senate Bill No. 1832, we can ensure that there are enough fire officers, fire trucks, personal protective equipment, and other equipment needed to put out deadly fires)

“Bukod pa dito, mas magagampanan ng BFP ang kanilan tungkulin bilang first responder sa mga sakuna, aksidente at iba pang emergency,” he added.

(Aside from this, the BFP will be able to further perform its duty as the first responders in calamities, accidents, and other emergencies.)

If enacted, the bill will expand the BFP’s functions to include prevention and suppression of fire in all buildings, houses, and other structures located inside economic zones, agro-industrial economic zones, free ports, and special economic zones, information technology (IT) parks or centers, tourism economic zones, and other similar entities.

Added to the agency’s functions is its duty to respond to natural and man-made disasters and assist in rescue and emergency medical services provided that the BFP would coordinate and cooperate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and local government units.

EDV