Modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection and Its Social Implications in Bicol : the Case of the Legazpi City Fire Station

Title of Policy Study MODERNIZATION OF THE BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION AND ITS SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS IN BICOL : THE CASE OF THE LEGAZPI CITY FIRE STATION

Statement of the purpose

This paper looks at the effect of modernization, re: 'transformation' from the present status of an equipment underprovided agency to an equipment based agency and the influence it has on the fire protection culture in Bicol region not long after the inception of Republic Act 9514 otherwise known as the New Fire Code of the Philippines in 2008.

Scope and severity

The modernization program of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is on track with the acquisition of firetrucks, turnouts (coats and trousers), other PPEs and the pooling of money under a special trust fund to help sustain the agency's modernization targets. The equipment shortage trend continued even with the stringency of the RA 9514 as harmonized by RA 9262 (BFP Professionalization law) and RA 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007).

Modernization process and promotion of a stringent fire protection culture began in 2010, two years after RA 9514 was signed into law. Expectedly, there was resistance from the community during its first implementation year; a time for both regulation and public support for public ownership of the new fire-safety provisions," a sentiment which has recently enjoyed new popularity with the collecting authority vested on the BFP to fund its modernization program. It seems as if the meaning of 'modernization' is not fully understood that a tradition of misconceptions and uncommitted conformity is apparent, both by the fire personnel and community. Fire code fees assessment, collection, deposit and utilization referring to the twenty percent (20%) LGU share clouded the harmonious relationship of some Local Chief Executives with their local fire marshals.

Legazpi City Fire Station's experience on this transformation will serve as a benchmark or a point of reference for a timeline that will measure the progress of collection and forecast a year for this station to meet the required modern fire protection of the city. Further, alternative solutions to problems encountered in the implementation of the new fire code will be presented as a case in pursuit of appropriate measures.

This study will be supplemented by foreign and local studies and as well as internet research, library research, interviews, observations and records to complete this project.

Methodology of analysis

My research methodology requires gathering relevant data documents and compiling databases in order to analyze the material and arrive at a more complete understanding of the process of BFP modernization. I hope to shed light on this matter and contribute to a developmental policy on its full implementation.