Photo courtesy of BFP
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod received four rescue boats from the city government to strengthen emergency response during floods and other water-related incidents.
Each boat can carry six to eight passengers and was funded through the local government’s 20 percent share from Fire Code fees collected in the city.
City fire marshal Supt. Jenny Mae Masip said the additional equipment would improve the Bacolod City Fire Station’s ability to conduct rescue and evacuation operations during the rainy season.
“More than just equipment, these boats represent readiness, preparedness and a commitment to save lives,” Masip said in a video released Friday.
She added that the boats would give responders more mobility in flooded communities and help speed up the movement of residents during emergencies.
Under a 2015 joint circular of the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, 20 percent of taxes, fees and fines collected by the BFP is retained for use by the concerned local government.
The funds are intended specifically for the operation and maintenance of local fire stations, including the purchase of equipment and the construction or repair of facilities.
Masip said the turnover showed how locally retained fire safety funds could be converted into equipment that directly supports emergency response.
