Capitol won't donate firetrucks to BFP

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia reiterated that the Capitol will not donate to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) the firetrucks assigned in different component cities and towns in the Province of Cebu.

The BFP has a policy of not assigning firefighters for firetrucks that are not donated to the bureau.

Garcia made the clarification to define its role in case a fire truck could not respond to fire alarms in the province especially during this month of fire prevention.

A memorandum of agreement for the use of firetrucks owned by the Province of Cebu was signed on September 8, 2006 between the local government officials and the BFP.

Garcia said that every time a new regional director of BFP 7 assumes office, she gives a briefing of the existing agreement so they will not insist on the bureau’s policy of not providing personnel unless the truck is donated to them.

The new regional director of BFP 7, Fire S/Supt. Ma. Luisa Hadjula, is willingly abiding with the “well-established procedure” according to Garcia.

The same procedure is imposed by the Province in providing dumptrucks, police jeep, multicabs and ambulances to different LGUs.

Garcia explained that the Capitol is not donating these trucks to retain these as assets of the province and to retrieve them once unserviceable.

The Province of Cebu has provided 30 firetrucks to different LGUs, according to Provicial General Services Officer Bernard Calderon.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer, Engr. Adolfo Quiroga, said they presume that all LGUs in the province already have firetrucks since they have not received any request from the rest of the towns.

Under the agreement, the Province of Cebu retains the ownership of the firetrucks and shall be responsible for the installation of the necessary gadgets and equipment, and the registration, insurance and required licenses.

Aside from the primary use in preventing, fighting and containing fires, the firetrucks may also be used in case of disasters as rescue vehicles as directed by the mayor.

The recipient LGU shall take care of the operational and maintenance costs while the BFP shall provide at least four of its duly trained personnel to operate each of the said firetruck and to act as firemen.

The BFP shall also be responsible in providing a safe and secure parking area for the said firetruck. (FREEMAN)