The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the release of over P2 billion to acquire firetrucks and ambulances to enhance emergency response.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has approved the special allotment release order amounting to P2.880 billion for the Department of the Interior and Local Government - Bureau of Fire Protection (DILG-BFP) to support its ongoing modernization efforts and strengthen its capabilities.
This budget was 65 percent higher compared to the P1.737 billion in 2023.
"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," she added.
[This is also in response to President Bongbong Marcos' directive to equip our firefighters. We all know that in the line of duty, their lives are at stake.]
The fund will be utilized for the acquisition of 154 firetrucks, 3 collapsed structure and rescue trucks, and 132 ambulances.
The amount is chargeable against the balance of the BFP’s 80 percent share from fire code revenues as per the Republic Act (RA) No. 9514 or the Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines.
Following the passing of RA No. 11589 which aims to strengthen the BFP Modernization Program, DILG has been 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.
Under the law, the BFP Modernization Program shall be implemented over a period of 10 years.
Meanwhile, the 2024 General Appropriations Act provides a budget of P29.49 billion for the BFP.