A party-list lawmaker urged the leadership of the House of Representatives (HOR) to prioritize the measures seeking to modernize the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP).

TINGOG party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez stressed the need to provide more fire trucks, fire stations, and modernized firefighting equipment to several towns in the country following the 17-hour fire that hit Robinsons Place mall in Tacloban City last week.

“I appeal to our government and Speaker Alan (Peter Cayetano) to prioritize all efforts aimed at modernizing the BFP for the best interest of the nation. Let us build fire stations and purchase modern equipment for our firefighters,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez noted that the majority of the towns in the countryside have been using old and dilapidated trucks, citing as an example the case of Eastern Visayas (Region 8), wherein 26 out of 143 local government units do not have fire trucks and fire stations.

She said the “unreliable safety equipment” of firefighters should also be improved.

“The lives of our firefighters and fire victims are also in great danger if our firefighting equipment is not reliable. For us to help prevent fire, we should always adhere to the promotion of public safety and follow safety measures,” she added.

The lawmaker also called for the continued inspection of residential homes and buildings for possible fire hazards.

House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, for his part, assured the public that the House of Representatives will find ways to help the BFP by looking at for more funds “to embark on modernizing the equipment of firefighters aimed at preventing the loss of lives and properties.” (PNA)