BFP chief proposes organization of BIDA

By RODRIGO S. VICTORIA, PIA 8
February 23, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The regional chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) this region proposed the organization of barangay fire brigades in all barangays in Eastern Visayas that will compliment the limited manpower of the bureau.

This was the crux of the message of SSupt. Pablito D. Cordeta, Regional Director, BFP 8 delivered by Senior Fire Officer Ramil Riños in the launching of Text Fire Tacloban, Wednesday, February 23 at the Rotary Club Center here.

SSupt Cordeta admitted that government cannot immediately hire additional firefighters to man the different fire stations in Eastern Visayas.

He said he is proposing the organization of Barangay Integrated Defense Action (BIDA) in all barangays in Eastern Visayas whose objective is to serve as manpower multiplier of the bureau.

“This will not only help during actual conflagration but also supports in our advocacy towards fire prevention”, SSupt. Cordeta added.

He further said that tapping the barangay will help address the manpower requirement of BFP considering the bureau’s limited human resources.

Meanwhile, the BFP chief in Region 8 emphasized to fire volunteers their role as force multiplier of the bureau as first line of defense against destructive fires.

He also recognized the important role of fire volunteers as the bureau’s partner in public service through closer coordination and harmonious relationship to attain the BFP’s main goal in preventing and suppressing fire.

SSupt. Cordeta also mentioned the launching of TXTFire Philippines as a milestone for volunteers not only in Tacloban City but to the whole of Region 8.