The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday turned over 35 fire trucks to select local government units (LGUs) in the country to help them boost their firefighting capability.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., who led the ceremonial turnover ceremony at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) national headquarters in Quezon City, said the acquisition of the fire trucks is part of the BFP’s modernization program to meet the ideal ratio of one fire truck for every city or municipality.

“Through these fire trucks which will be distributed to 35 fire stations in key cities and municipalities all over the country, we will be able to bolster the BFP’s capability to respond to fire incidents in their communities. We want to give our people a sense of safety and security. At the end of the day, we want to give our people a sense of security and safety that the BFP is at their service and is ready and equipped to help them during fire emergencies,” Abalos said.

Of the 35 fire trucks, Ilocos Region, Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas will get four each; Cagayan Valley, Davao Region, Caraga and the National Capital Region will get one each; Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Northern Mindanao will get three each; Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula will get two each while five will go to Calabarzon.

The firetrucks with a diesel type engine are equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system and are Euro IV compliant.

These also have a 4,000-liter capacity water tank, fire pump system with round the pump foam proportioning system, 200-liter foam tank, firefighting equipment, tools and accessories using appropriate fire service standards adaptable to Philippine conditions.

During the occasion, Abalos also urged the LGUs present to enter into a usufruct agreement with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine National Police or BFP for the purpose of building fire, police, and jail stations.

“Magtulungan po tayo para masolusyonan ang mga isyu at problema ng ating bansa lalong-lalo na ang tungkol sa kaligtasan at kapanatagan ng loob ng ating mga mamamayan (Let’s work together to solve the issues and problems of our country, especially those related to the safety and peace of mind of our citizens),” the DILG chief said. (PNA)