BFP gets P2.88 billion to boost emergency response

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management has released P2.88 billion to strengthen and modernize the government’s emergency response to fires.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the issuance of a special allotment release order of P2.88 billion to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), which is under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The amount will finance the BFP’s acquisition of firetrucks and emergency medical equipment as part of its modernization efforts.

These include 154 firetrucks, three collapsed structures and rescue trucks as well as 132 ambulances.

Pangandaman said this would support the BFP’s capability enhancement efforts to allow the agency to effectively perform its mandate during emergencies and fire incidents.

The funding is chargeable against the balance of the BFP’s 80 percent share from fire code revenues under the Fire Code of the Philippines, according to the budget chief.

The law strengthens the BFP modernization program, which aims to expedite the establishment of fire protection services in municipalities without existing firetrucks and fire stations, as well as intensifying its emergency medical services.

Under the law, the modernization program will be implemented for 10 years.