THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Wednesday lauded the Ayala Group of Companies for recognizing the contribution and sacrifices of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) through its “Saludo sa Serbisyo” program, which seeks to help improve the lives of personnel in the uniformed service.

Following the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Saludo sa Serbisyo program, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año thanked Ayala Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, Fernando Zobel de Ayala and the entire Ayala Group for “acknowledging the hard work and sacrifices of the BFP firefighters who work tirelessly and put their lives in harm’s way just to ensure the safety and serve the Filipino people.”

“On behalf of a grateful nation and an appreciative government, I could not express enough how thankful we are in the service for your commitment to ease the burden and address the plight of our protectors,” said Año during the recently concluded MOU signing at Tower One and Exchange Plaza, Makati City.

“With this tremendous support and encouragement that you all have shown our uniformed personnel, there is indeed no reason for them to fail in carrying out their sworn duty to the Republic and to the Filipino people. I am certain that this program will boost their morale and further inspire them to perform their constitutionally mandated duties with brazen hearts and burning fervor,” he added.

The signatories to the MOU include BFP Chief F/Director Louie Poracan, AC (Ayala Corporation) Managing Directors Jose Rene Gregory Almendras, and Atty. Solomon Hermosura.

Other signatories are BFP Deputy Chief for Administration F/CSupt. Jeremy Roel Diaz and AC Managing Director Emmanuel Bautista as witnesses duly noted by Año.

Under the “Saludo sa Serbisyo” program, BFP personnel may now avail of Ayala’s livelihood training program, health and wellness programs, special discount offers for different Ayala products and services, as well as employment opportunities for retirees and their dependents.

Among the products and services of the Program which are now being extended to both active and retired uniformed and non-uniformed BFP personnel are Financial Education Program through BPI Foundation, Inc.; Employment Program for Retired BFP Personnel through Ayala Property Management Corporation; Health and Wellness Program through Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. and Makati Development Corporation; Housing Assistance Program through Ayala Land, Inc.; Livelihood Program for Unemployed Spouses through BPI Foundation, Inc., Ayala Malls, Inc and Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Special Discounts on cars and big bikes through AC Motors; and Special Home and Car Loan Package through BPI and many others.

Año said the “Saludo sa Serbisyo” pact is “a resounding testament to the great things and impactful actions that we can do when we are in unity.”

“Ngayong araw, nasaksihan po natin ang diwa ng Bayanihan na isa sa mga sandigan at pundasyon ng ating pagkakakilanlan bilang isang bayan. Sa ating pagtitipon ngayon, naipamalas natin kung gaano katibay ang ating nagkakaisang lipunan na kayang humarap at magtagumpay sa anumang hamon,” he said.

“Makakaasa po kayo na gagawin namin ang lahat ng aming makakaya sa trabaho upang masuklian ang inyong bukas-palad na suporta sa ating unipormadong hanay. Bilang Kalihim ng DILG, sinisiguro ko na hindi masasayang ang inyong pagpapahalaga at magpapatuloy ang aming matino, mahusay, at maaasahang serbisyo sa bayan,” he added.

The BFP is the latest beneficiary of the Ayala Group of Companies’ “Saludo sa Serbisyo” program, which provides expanded access to a host of products and services to uniformed personnel.

Aside from BFP, previous Saludo sa Serbisyo beneficiaries are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Ayala Corporation has also been providing educational assistance to children of soldiers killed in action or totally incapacitated while in the line of duty through the Hero Foundation.

Año likewise directed BFP Chief Louie S. Puracan to actively assist in the dissemination of information on the “Saludo sa Serbisyo” program to its personnel and provide policy guidance and directions to ensure the proper implementation of the program.

He said BFP shall closely coordinate with AC in implementing the program, – assist AC in verifying target beneficiaries for each product/service offered, provide logistical requirements, and ensure smooth delivery of products/services to vetted beneficiaries per region.