BFP holds urban search, rescue training to boost operational, technical readiness for safer PH
By Chito Chavez
(MB FILE PHOTO)
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has been conducting Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training, which it described as human capital investment designed to carry forward the vision of a fire-safe and disaster-resilient Philippines.
Currently, a total of 44 BFP-Special Rescue Force, Mindanao Cluster Regions are now undergoing a 12-day intensive
BFP Deputy Chief for Operations Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu emphasized that the program enhances the readiness of the firefighters in the face of disasters and emergency cases “as one community of public servants without borders.”
“The program is designed to enhance operational readiness and strengthen technical expertise in collapsed structure search and rescue,’’ Kwan Tiu noted.
Further, Kwan Tiu pointed out that the initiative highlights the BFP’s “steadfast commitment to continuous learning, modernization, and strengthening partnerships for effective disaster response and preparedness.’’
Earlier, the BFP together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) visited the National University of Singapore (NUS) and The Logistics Institute-Asia Pacific (TLI-AP) as part of the country’s capacity strengthening in disaster response.
Kwan Tiu noted that NUS is one of the leading universities worldwide, known for excellence in research, innovation and higher education, particularly in science, technology and management.
During the collaboration, Kwan Tiu said that the Philippine delegation conferred with the other government and private sector agencies in Singapore, most notably with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
“Visiting the Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Coordination Centre at Singapore Naval Base, they gained valuable insights into the mechanism of global disaster response coordination,’’ Kwan Tiu pointed out.
He added that the group went to the Singapore Food Agency where they gained valuable inputs on strategies for maintaining a stable food supply during a crisis.
The BFP official asserted that “the goal of this visit series is to develop a comprehensive logistics and supply chain framework for disaster management, to ensure the right help gets to the right place at the right time.’’