Taguig City has turned over to the Bureau of Fire Protection three firetrucks, eight motorcycles, and firefighting equipment designed to significantly enhance firefighting capabilities.
Mayor Laarni Cayetano led the Tuesday turnover ceremony held at the Lakeshore TLC Grounds in Barangay Lower Bicutan as part of the celebration of Fire Prevention Month.
Each fire truck comes with a large 500-gallon water tank, ensuring ample supply for combating fires, and have a high-powered fire pump, which can move more water quickly during response.
The trucks have hose compartments that can hold up to 500 feet of delivery hose and roller-shutter cabinets for storing firefighting tools and equipment.
The vehicles are equipped with a Public Address system, spotlights, strobe light bar, revolving lights, and a motor siren.
Essential equipment like hoses, fireman’s gear, suction hoses, nozzles, wrenches, and safety gear are also onboard for emergencies.
The new motorcycles are specifically designed for faster response to fires and medical emergencies. Each motorcycle is equipped with a fire extinguisher installed on each side and a storage box designed to carry medical supplies.
During the turnover ceremony, which also coincides with the City Fire Olympics, Mayor Cayetano emphasized the city’s support for BFP-Taguig’s programs.
She also noted that the Taguig City Disaster Risk and Management Office works closely with Taguig-BFP in responding to disasters and emergencies in Taguig.
The Fire Brigade members, youth, persons with disabilities, and the Bureau of Fire Protection Services will participate in the Olympics, providing residents with a common space to learn about fire awareness and prevention.
BFP Senior Superintendent Eddie Tanawan thanked the City of Taguig and Mayor Cayetano for its continuous support. He urged the community to be vigilant to prevent disasters and avoid accidents.
Last year, Mayor Cayetano also led the turnover of P90-Million worth of vehicles and equipment to BFP, Philippine National Police, and its barangays, staying true to her commitment to prioritize the safety of all residents.
BFP Director Louie Puracan reports that there have been over 3,200 fires recorded nationwide this year, a 26 percent increase from the same period last year, resulting in 74 casualties. Of these, 600 fire incidents were recorded in Metro Manila from January to February this year alone.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos is concerned about the rising number of fire incidents in the country and urges residents of Metro Manila to have their electrical lines inspected by BFP personnel.
BFP is also planning to install a hotline number for residents of the National Capital Region, where they can call and request voluntary inspections of electrical connections in their homes to prevent fire incidents in their communities.
