The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and South Korea’s National Fire Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Friday, May 22, to deepen cooperation on fire protection, disaster response, and public safety programs that have already sent Filipino firefighters to specialized training institutions in Seoul.

In a statement, the BFP described the agreement as a “significant milestone” that formalized years of cooperation between the two agencies through training exchanges, technical collaboration, and professional development programs.

BFP officer-in-charge, Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) gave the agency the authority and support to enter into the agreement.

According to Kwan Tiu, the MOU “further solidifies international linkages and opens greater opportunities for capability development and institutional cooperation.”

He also thanked South Korea’s National Fire Agency, led by Commissioner Kim Seung Ryong, for its “continued support, friendship, and commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration in the field of public safety and disaster management.”

The partnership between the two agencies has already allowed Filipino firefighters and officers to undergo training in South Korea, including programs at the Gyeonggi Fire Service Academy.

“Through the years, this partnership has opened valuable opportunities for Filipino firefighters and officers to participate in professional exchanges, specialized training, and learning engagements, kabilang na ang mga programang isinagawa sa Gyeonggi Fire Service Academy and other institutions in Korea,” Kwan Tiu said.

South Korea has been one of the Philippines’ active partners in disaster preparedness and emergency response programs in recent years. Aside from fire safety cooperation, the two countries have worked together on humanitarian assistance, infrastructure resilience, and emergency management projects.

Kwan Tiu said the agreement institutionalizes the partnership at a time when both countries are strengthening disaster readiness efforts.

“The formal signing of the agreement not only institutionalizes the partnership but also opens another important opportunity for both organizations to further strengthen cooperation toward building safer, more resilient, and disaster-ready communities,” he said.

“Indeed, this partnership reflects the enduring friendship and shared commitment between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea sa pagprotekta ng buhay, ari-arian, at kapaligiran,” he added.