Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto announced that the local government will be acquiring more fire trucks and ambulances sometime this year in order to help the emergency response teams and offices in the city. He made the announcement during his speech at the flag raising ceremony on Monday, March 13, at the City Hall Quadrangle. He noted that many barangay-level officials in Pasig, especially those who have the capacity to operate and manage response units, requested to have fire trucks and ambulances (or patient transport vehicles) for their grassroots programs. These fire trucks and ambulances are expected to come around April or May this year, the mayor said. The local government recently acquired two new units of fire trucks for its local fire department. The new trucks, along with other refurbished trucks, were formally blessed in a ceremony after the flag raising at the quadrangle. The new service vehicles and equipment were acquired to increase and improve the capacities and resources of the Pasig fire stations, particularly during Fire Prevention Month throughout March. (Pasig DRRMO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Aside from the trucks, the local government and the Bureau of Fire Protection – National Capital Region (BFP-NCR) also recognized the continued efforts of probers, fire station personnel, and other officials who have supported the department in their fire safety advocacy. The BFP-NCR conferred a plaque of appreciation to Bryant Wong, the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) chief, “for his valuable support to the programs of the BFP, and cooperation to ensure fire safe communities in Pasig City. It lauded Wong’s “dedication, efforts and active participation in the Pasig City fire stations’ fire prevention campaigns” as a demonstration of his commitment to public service. Representatives of the city fire brigades also received the certificates of completion and competency “after completion of the mandatory training and competency evaluations conducted by the BFP.” The training was held on separate dates in February, March, April, and August 2022. According to the BFP, fire volunteers, members of fire brigades, and fire safety practitioners are mandated to undergo training on fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and related emergency response. Pasig DRRMO personnel who successfully finished the Driving (Passenger Bus/Straight Truck) course from the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were also recognized. To increase knowledge and awareness this Fire Prevention Month, the local government has conducted various fire preparedness seminars for city hall employees, barangay fire volunteers, and the local youth development office.