DILG distributes 35 firetrucks to select LGUs lacking in firefighting equipment
By Chito Chavez
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday, Oct. 18, turned over 35 firetrucks to various local government units (LGUs) that are in dire need of additional firefighting equipment.
In simple ceremony held at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) National Headquarters, DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. said the acquisition of the firetrucks is part of the BFP's modernization program which aims to reach the ratio of one is to one firetruck per city or municipality.
"Through these firetrucks which will be distributed to 35 fire stations in key cities and municipalities all over the country, we will be able to bolster the BFP's capability to respond to fire incidents in their communities. We want to give our people a sense of safety and security. At the end of the day, we want to give our people a sense of security and safety that the BFP is at their service and is ready and equipped to help them during fire emergencies," Abalos said.
The Ilocos Region, Bicol and Eastern Visayas will each get four firetrucks while Cagayan Valley, Davao Region, Caraga and the National Capital Region (NCR) will have one each.
Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Northern Mindanao will get three each, Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula will have two each while five will go to Region 4-A.
The DILG said that the diesel engine-run firetrucks are equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system and are Euro IV compliant.
They also have a 4,000-liter capacity water tank, fire pump system with round the pump foam proportioning system, 200-liter foam tank, firefighting equipment, tools and accessories using appropriate fire service standards adaptable to Philippine conditions.
In the said ceremony, Abalos urged the present local government units (LGUs) representatives to enter into a usufruct agreement with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine National Police (PNP) or BFP for the purpose of building fire, police, and jail stations.
"Magtulungan po tayo para masolusyonan ang mga isyu at problema ng ating bansa lalong-lalo na ang tungkol sa kaligtasan at kapanatagan ng loob ng ating mga mamamayan (Let's work together to solve the issues and problems of our country, especially those related to the safety and peace of mind of our citizens)," Abalos continued. (Chito A. Chavez)