Budget Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P2.880 billion to the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Bureau of Fire Protection (DILG-BFP) to support its ongoing modernization efforts and strengthen the government’s firefighting capabilities.
Budget Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman approved the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the said purpose on May 10, 2024.
“We understand how crucial BFP’s responsibilities are during emergency response and fire incidents. We owe it to them to support their ongoing capability enhancement efforts so they can effectively perform their mandate,” Pangandaman said.
“Bilang pagtugon din po ito sa utos ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na i-equip ang ating firefighters. Alam naman po natin na sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin, buhay ang nakataya,” the Budget secretary added.
(As a response as well to the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to equip our firefighters. We know that in carrying out their duties, lives are at stake.)
The P2.880 billion fund will be utilized for the acquisition of 154 firetrucks, three collapsed structure and rescue trucks, and 132 ambulances.
The amount is chargeable against the balance of the BFP’s 80% share from fire code revenues pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 9514, an “Act Establishing a Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines, Repealing Presidential Decree No. 1185 and For Other Purposes.”
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Following the passage of RA No. 11589 which calls for the strengthening of the BFP Modernization Program, the agency, led by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., is committed to fast-track the establishment of fire protection services in the municipalities without existing fire trucks and fire stations, as well as intensifying its emergency medical services.
Moreover, under the said law, the BFP Modernization Program shall be implemented over a period of 10 years.