JW DIOKNO, Pasay City — With the inaugural opening of its campaign headquarters in Pasay City, the Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP) party-list has declared its advocacy to prioritize in its political platform and legislative agenda the welfare of firefighters, rescuers and volunteers through a proposed Firefighters’ Welfare and Benefits Act.

According to ABP president and first nominee Dr. Jose Antonio 'Ka Pep' Goitia, it's about time that the dedication and sacrifices of our first responders are given well-deserved recognition which include increased wages, broader insurance and retirement coverage as well as disability and healthcare benefits.
Goitia likewise cited that his party-list group will also focus on legislation that would institutionalize the upgrading of conditions among first responders, such as a Fire Equipment Modernization Bill and extensive training to keep them abreast with their counterparts in highly industrialized countries.

Included in this proposal is not only modernization in equipment and training but also deals with the establishment of efficient firestations that are equipped with the latest monitoring and detection technologies for rapid response to disasters, calamities and emergency situations.

In addition, ABP aims to promote a community-based Expanded Fire Prevention Program that would support the conduct of safety education and preparation to ensure the country’s barangays are ready to respond in the most difficult of situations.

Goitia also cited that ABP is actively and continuously collaborating with local government units (LGUs), private sector organizations and international stakeholders in order to strengthen and enhance capabilities in disaster and emergency response such as in times of distress.

"Layunin ng mga pakikipagtulungang ito na bumuo ng isang pambansang sistemang susuporta sa mga unang tumutugon sa sunog lalo na sa mga malalayong lugar at hindi gaanong nabibigyang-prayoridad na mga komunidad," the ABP nominee pointed out.

"Nananatiling matatag ang ABP sa pangakong tiyakin na ang mga bumbero at unang tumutugon na mga rescuer at volunteer ay hindi na muling mapapabayaan—sa halip, sila ay bibigyan ng sapat na kagamitan, suporta, at pagkilala sa kanilang mahalagang tungkulin sa lipunan," he added to conclude.