Modernizing BFP
THROUGHOUT the year, the Philippines, a Third World nation of English-speaking people, suffers heavily from destructive fires, notably in the countryside where many towns are still using old and dilapidated fire trucks.
Not only that. Some quarters, including lawmakers, acknowledge that impoverished local government units (LGUs) across the country, like in Eastern Visayas or Region 8, do not have fire trucks or fire stations.
This situation prompted Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez to call on the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Ms. Romualdez, chairperson of the House committee on the welfare of children and wife of Majority Leader Martin R. Romualdez, issued the call after a 17-hour fire hit Robinsons Place mall in Tacloban City last week.
"I appeal to our government and Speaker Cayetano to prioritize all efforts aimed at modernizing the BFP for the best interest of the nation," said the workaholic lady solon, a registered nurse and a former beauty queen.
Paying a glowing tribute to the country's fire fighters, Ms. Romualdez described their act of bravery as a great accomplishment because they are involved in a very noble calling.
For his part, Majority Leader Romualdez, a lawyer and chairman of the powerful House committee on rules, assured the public that the congressmen will find ways to help the BFP by looking for funds.
The United States-educated Romualdez said the BFP ought to embark on modernizing the equipment of its hard-working fire fighters aimed at preventing the loss of lives and properties.
"Our malasakit (compassion) for BFP is always there to ensure public safety," assured Martin, president of both the Philippine Constitution Association and the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
Although our firefighters lack modern and state-of-the-art equipment, there is a rising sentiment that they are really doing a great job in saving lives and protecting properties.
Others, including members of Congress, think that they are among the country's unsung heroes.