Marcos admin earmarks P1.737B for BFP modernization —DBM

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday said the Marcos administration has allocated P1.737 billion under this year’s budget for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

In a statement, the DBM said the fund allocation shall be used for the acquisition and improvement of facilities, purchase of fire trucks, personal protective equipment, and emergency and rescue equipment.

Of the said amount, the Budget Department said, the P737 million is appropriated in the BFP specific budget under the Fiscal Year 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The bulk, or P1 billion, of the requirement shall be sourced from the 80% of the taxes, fees, and fines collected in accordance with the Fire Code of the Philippines, it said.

"As we observe Fire Prevention Month, allow us to highlight the special provision given by the Marcos Jr. administration to support the modernization of our BFP. We have provided a total of P1.7 billion to help equip our firefighters. This is to recognize how important they are in society as life savers in times of disasters and emergencies," said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A declares March every year as Fire Prevention Month.

Meanwhile, Republic Act (R.A.) 11589 mandates the BFP, in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), to establish and implement the BFP Modernization Program geared to enhance the capability of its personnel and acquisition of state-of-the-art fire prevention, fire suppression, fire investigation, and emergency medical and rescue services facilities and equipment.

The 2023 GAA provides a budget of P27.11 billion for the BFP, according to the DBM. —VAL, GMA Integrated News