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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BFP pushes unified standards ahead of PH bid for global USAR accreditation

BFP pushes unified standards ahead of PH bid for global USAR accreditation

Published Feb 6, 2026 02:35 pm
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said unified planning and upgraded standards among response agencies will strengthen the country’s search and rescue capability and support its push for international Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) accreditation.
In a statement Friday, Feb. 5, the BFP said it led a workshop on the Search and Rescue (SAR) Strategic Plan which focused on setting minimum standards for flood response, light and medium USAR teams, and the standardization of certificates, badges, and uniforms for accredited USAR units.
The BFP said the workshop is part of a series of inter-agency engagements that aim to improve national coordination, harmonize operational standards, and boost readiness for large-scale disasters in line with global requirements.
Participants included representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) including its K9 Unit Force, and the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Naval Installation Command, the Philippine Navy, and the AFP Naval Combat Engineering Brigade also joined the discussions, as well as officials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) of Makati City and Pasig City.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the 525th Combat Engineering Battalion, the Combat Engineer Regiment, the 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Air Force served as co-chairs of the event.
Earlier, the BFP reiterated its call for a safer and more resilient Philippines amid natural and man-made disasters.
BFP Deputy Chief for Operations Chief Supt. Wilbert Rico Neil Kwan Tiu said disaster preparedness must start at the individual level.
“Disaster management begins with every Filipino, embracing a culture of safety, security, discipline, and self-help, as true resilience starts within each individual,” Tiu said.
He underscored the bureau’s role in crisis response and this includes fire suppression, rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
As a 24/7 emergency response agency, Tiu said the BFP remains committed to protecting lives and property.
With the implementation of Republic Act No. 11589, or the BFP Modernization Act, Tiu said the BFP is expanding its mandate as it is now moving beyond traditional fire prevention and suppression to become a multi-capable emergency service, providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) response, and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations nationwide.
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