The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has signed an agreement with the SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) to improve the response system to fire and other calamities.
Under the agreement, the BFP will lead fire safety awareness programs, training and emergency preparedness activities, while SMPHI will provide venues, logistical support, and integrate fire safety measures into mall operations.
“Together, both organizations reaffirm their dedication to building safer and more disaster-resilient communities,’’ the BFP noted.
The signing of the MOA was made during the recent “Fire Road Show’’ held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
In the recent kick-off festivities in the Fire Prevention Month in March, the BFP forged an agreement with the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG Fund that provides its personnel further affordable, easy and convenient access to housing programs.
BFP officer-in-charge (OIC) Chief Supt Jesus Fernandez and HDMF chief executive officer (CEO) Marilene Acosta represented by deputy CEO Alexander Hilario Aguilar will seal the deal during the Fire Prevention Month national kick-off ceremony on March 1 at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.
In a statement, the BFP said that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the HDMF is meant “to uplift the morale of the BFP personnel.’’
The initiative is a fulfillment of Fernandez’s promise to institutionalize programs that will not just uplift the name of the BFP and bring it to modernization, but also boost the morale of its more than 38,000 strong and dedicated personnel.
With the signing of the agreement, the BFP and the Pag-IBIG Fund reaffirm their commitment to provide the fire personnel with the opportunity to have their own homes that ensures the stability and security of their families.
“Highlighted in the MOA are opportunities for BFP personnel to get up to 45 percent discount through Group Sales Mechanism for acquired properties, the opportunity for the BFP to sponsor its own housing project for its personnel on an institutionalize level funded by Pag-IBIG and having a housing representative focused on the BFP to assist its personnel availing other programs of Pag-Ibig among other things,’’ the BFP stated.