INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos yesterday led the turnover of 35 firetrucks to cities and municipalities in the country as he called on other localities which have yet to get one to just keep their patience because the present administration is already addressing it.

Recipients of the firetrucks were joined by their respective fire officials in accepting the ceremonial key before Secretary Abalos at the grounds of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Agham Road, Quezon City.

According to Abalos, these new units – a 1,000-gallon capacity firetruck will somehow help the beneficiaries to boost their firefighting capacity in their areas.

The acquisition is part of the DILG’s vision in ensuring a modern fire service and a fire-safe nation.

In his speech, Abalos said however that even with the distribution of these units, there are municipalities that do not have a fire truck and a fire station.

As per BFP record, at least 203 localities in the country have no fire station and 200 of them have no firetrucks to turn to during fire emergencies.

He pointed out that the country is still far from the ideal ratio of one firetruck for every city or municipality.

The government Abalos added, is however, is doing its best to procure more in the coming years which is part of the BFP’s modernization program.

Abalos called on the rich cities which can afford to produce on their own to just help neighboring localities in terms of firefighting capacities.

When asked at the sidelines if the “zero-locality with no firetrucks” is achievable under his term, Abalos said, “it depends kung magkano ang kayang pera ng ating pamahalaan, alam naman natin na galing tayo sa pandemya, kaya hindi ganun karami ang pera natin, . . .at kung meron man ay ipapagawa natin ibang bagay katulad ng eskwelahan, yung kailangan ng gobyerno dahil naka-focus tayo sa ekonomiya, well ang sa akin ay ganito, kung ano ang ibigay sa atin ay gagawa tayo ng paraan. ‘

He said that through these firetrucks which were distributed to 35 fire stations in key cities and municipalities all over the country, the government will be able to bolster the BFP’s capability to respond to fire incidents in their communities.

“We want to give our people a sense of safety and security. At the end of the day, we want to give our people a sense of security and safety that the BFP is at their service and is ready and equipped to help them during fire emergencies,” the DILG chief said.

Of the 35 firetrucks, Ilocos Region, Bicol and Eastern Visayas will get four each; Cagayan Valley, Davao Region, Caraga and the National Capital Region will get one each; Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Northern Mindanao will get three each; Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula will get two each while five will go to Calabarzon.

Said firetrucks with a diesel type engine are equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation system and are Euro IV compliant.

Not only that, these trucks have a 4,000-liter capacity water tank, fire pump system with round the pump foam proportioning system, 200-liter foam tank, firefighting equipment, tools and accessories using appropriate fire service standards adaptable to Philippine conditions.