What is BFP? A Comprehensive Overview to the Bureau of Fire Protection

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The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), is the government agency tasked with providing fire services in the Philippines.

Operating under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding against fire incidents.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), as part of its mission to ensure public safety, is responsible for the prevention or suppression of destructive fires in various settings, including buildings, houses, structures, forests, land transportation vehicles, equipment, ships/vessels at piers, wharves, or major seaports, and petroleum industry installations. 

Additionally, the BFP plays a vital role in enforcing the Fire Code of the Philippines (PD 1185) and other related laws, conducting investigations into fire incidents and their causes, and filing appropriate complaints or cases.

Job Opportunities:

Discover exciting career opportunities within the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for both officers and enlisted personnel across diverse ranks. Explore the current job openings listed or discover more opportunities in government agencies.

Requirements, qualifications, and application procedures may vary for different positions.

below or explore more government agency jobs to find the perfect fit for your skills and aspirations.

Bureau of Fire Protection Salary Grade:

Curious about the financial aspects of a career in the BFP? Check out the Bureau of Fire Protection salary grades [insert link]. Gain insights into the salary structure and accompanying benefits, empowering you to make informed decisions about your future in the BFP.

Careers and Roles:

Joining the Bureau of Fire Protection offers a diverse range of career opportunities, each contributing to the overall strength and capability of the firefighting force. From officers to enlisted personnel, here are some key roles within the BFP.

Career opportunities, including roles for commissioned officers and non-commissioned personnel known as fire officers.

In these roles, individuals have a range of responsibilities related to firefighting, rescue operations, and ensuring public safety. 

From leadership positions to frontline firefighting roles, the Bureau of Fire Protection provides opportunities for individuals with different skill sets and aspirations.

Bureau of Fire Protection Ranks:

The fire ranks utilized until 1991 were as follows:

  • Fire Brigadier General
  • Fire Colonel
  • Fire Lieutenant Colonel
  • Fire Major
  • Fire Captain
  • Fire Lieutenant
  • Fire Sergeant
  • Fire Corporal
  • Fireman First Class
  • Fireman

According to its website, the primary functions of the BFP encompass:

1. Prevention and suppression of all destructive fires.

2. Enforcement of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) of Republic Act No. 9514, also known as the Fire Code of the Philippines (PD 1185), and other related laws.

3. Investigation of the causes of fires, with the authority to file complaints with city or provincial prosecutors as needed.

4. Assistance in national emergencies, as directed by the President of the Philippines, by collaborating with the military.

5. Establishment of at least one fire station, complete with personnel and equipment, per municipality and provincial capital.

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Bureau of Fire Protection History:

Bureau of Fire Protection

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) traces its origins back to the restructuring of the Integrated National Police’s Office of Fire Protection Service. On January 29, 1991, the BFP officially came into existence through Republic Act No. 6975. 

This legislation, known as the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, not only established the present Interior Department but also brought the provision of fire services under its jurisdiction.

The enactment of Republic Act No. 6975 on January 1, 1991, marked a significant milestone. This law paved the way for the creation of distinct entities such as the Philippine National Police, BFP, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. 

The Fire Bureau’s charter, outlined in Chapter IV (Section 53 to 59) and implemented through Rule VII (Sections 49 to 58) of the act’s Implementing Rules and Regulations, placed the organization under the direct supervision of the DILG undersecretary for peace and order.

The inaugural operation of the BFP commenced on August 2, 1991, as an independent government agency. This milestone was made possible through the Appropriation Act of 1991. 

The initial preparation of its operation plans and budget (OPB) took place under the leadership of F/Brigadier General Ernesto Madriaga at Camp Crame, Quezon City, who served as the BFP’s first acting fire chief/director from 1991 to 1992. He succeeded F/Major Primo D. Cordeta, the first chief fire marshal (1978–1989).

In 2021, a significant development occurred with the enactment of Republic Act No. 11589, commonly known as the BFP Modernization Act. 

This legislation mandated the initiation of a ten-year program aimed at modernizing the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). 

The law not only facilitated the modernization initiative but also authorized the establishment of security and protection units (SPUs) at each regional and city fire station. 

Furthermore, it granted the SPU members the ability to carry firearms, with a maximum limit of 14 members per SPU.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) operates with various specialized units and organizational components, including:

  • National Headquarters
  • Special Rescue/HAZMAT Unit
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Special Operations Unit
  • Arson Investigation Unit
  • Fire Law Enforcement Service
  • Fire National Training Institute

Furthermore, each region in the Philippines has its own BFP fire region, led by an individual holding the rank of fire chief superintendent (fire brigadier general) or fire senior superintendent (fire colonel).

National Headquarters

  •   Office of the Chief, BFP
  •   Office of the Deputy Chief for Administration
  •   Office of the Deputy Chief for Operations
  • BFP Directorial Staff
    •   Directorial Staff
    •   Directorate for Intelligence and Investigation
    •   Directorate for Operations
    •   Directorate for Plans and Standard Development
    •   Directorate for Comptrollership
    •   Directorate for Fire Safety Enforcement
    •   Directorate for Logistics
    •   Directorate for Personnel and Records Management
    •   Directorate for Information and Communications Management
    •   Directorate for Human Resource Development

Leadership and Rank:

  • Commander-in-Chief: Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
  • Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG): Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr.
  • Undersecretary for Public Safety, DILG: Usec. Serafin P. Barretto Jr., CESO IV
  • Chief, Bureau of Fire Protection (C, BFP): Fire Dir. Louie S. Puracan, CEO VI
  • The Deputy Chief for Administration (TDCA): Fire C/Supt. Jesus P. Fernandez
  • The Deputy Chief for Operations (TDCO): Fire C/Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu
  • The Chief of Directorial Staff (TDCS): Fire C/Supt. Manuel M. Manuel

Commissioned Officers (As of 2021, BFP ranks are equivalent to those in the army):

  • Fire Director (Major General)
  • Fire Chief Superintendent (Brigadier General)
  • Fire Senior Superintendent (Colonel)
  • Fire Superintendent (Lieutenant Colonel)
  • Fire Chief Inspector (Major)
  • Fire Senior Inspector (Captain)
  • Fire Inspector (1st Lieutenant)

Non-commissioned Officers:

  • Senior Fire Officer 4 (Executive Master Sergeant)
  • Senior Fire Officer 3 (Chief Master Sergeant)
  • Senior Fire Officer 2 (Senior Master Sergeant)
  • Senior Fire Officer 1 (Master Sergeant)
  • Fire Officer 3 (Staff Sergeant)
  • Fire Officer 2 (Corporal)
  • Fire Officer 1 (Firefighter)

Non-Uniformed Personnel:

  • Refers to all BFP civilian personnel and employees having no rank. Civil service employees carry their civil service grade.

Vision

“A modern fire

service fully capable of

ensuring a fire safe nation by 2034.”

Mission

“We commit to prevent and suppress
destructive fires, investigate its causes;
enforce Fire Code and other related laws; respond”

Contact Details: 

For inquiries and more information about career opportunities, you can reach out to the BFP through the following channels:

Bureau of Fire Protection

Agham Road, Barangay Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City

Trunk Line Numbers:

(02) 8426-0246

(02) 8426-0219

Email Address:

ofc@bfp.gov.ph (Office of the Chief BFP)

pis@bfp.gov.ph (Public Information Service)

BFP Official Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/DILGBFP?ref=embed_page

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) stands as a vital government agency committed to ensuring the safety of the Filipino people by preventing and suppressing destructive fires.

 With a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1991, the BFP has evolved into a modern and capable organization dedicated to its mission.

The BFP’s functions encompass not only firefighting and rescue operations but also the enforcement of crucial laws, investigations into fire incidents, and collaboration in national emergencies. 

The recent enactment of Republic Act No. 11589, the BFP Modernization Act, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the BFP through a ten-year modernization program.

For individuals aspiring to be part of the BFP, there are diverse career opportunities available, ranging from leadership positions to roles for commissioned officers and non-commissioned personnel, known as fire officers. 

The BFP provides avenues for individuals with different skill sets and aspirations, contributing to the overall strength and capability of the firefighting force.

For more information and updates, individuals can also connect with the BFP through their official channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)

1. What is the primary role of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the Philippines?

The BFP is the government agency tasked with providing fire services in the Philippines, playing a crucial role in safeguarding against fire incidents.

2. What are the main functions of the BFP?

The BFP is responsible for preventing and suppressing destructive fires, enforcing the Fire Code of the Philippines, investigating fire causes, assisting in national emergencies, and establishing fire stations across municipalities and provincial capitals.

3. When was the BFP established, and under which legislation?

The BFP officially came into existence on January 29, 1991, through Republic Act No. 6975, as part of the restructuring of the Integrated National Police’s Office of Fire Protection Service.

4. What significant development occurred in 2021 related to the BFP?

In 2021, Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the BFP Modernization Act, was enacted, initiating a ten-year program aimed at modernizing the BFP and authorizing the establishment of security and protection units (SPUs).

5. What specialized units operate within the BFP?

The BFP operates various specialized units, including the Special Rescue/HAZMAT Unit, Emergency Medical Services, Special Operations Unit, Arson Investigation Unit, Fire Law Enforcement Service, and Fire National Training Institute.

6. How can individuals explore career opportunities within the BFP?

Interested individuals can explore career opportunities by visiting the official website, contacting the recruitment office, or connecting through the BFP official Facebook page.

7. What are the key roles available within the BFP?

Joining the BFP offers diverse career opportunities, including roles for commissioned officers and non-commissioned personnel known as fire officers. 

These roles cover responsibilities related to firefighting, rescue operations, and ensuring public safety.

8. What is the vision and mission of the BFP?

The BFP’s vision is to become a modern fire service fully capable of ensuring a fire-safe nation by 2034. 

Its mission includes commitments to prevent and suppress destructive fires, investigate causes, enforce the Fire Code, and respond to emergencies.

9. How can I contact the BFP for more information?

For inquiries and more information, individuals can reach out to the BFP through the provided channels, including the official address, trunk line numbers, and email addresses.

Disclaimer:

The Philippine Go does not collect fees and is not a hiring agency, nor is it related to any hiring agency for employment abroad. 

All information contained here is solely for informational purposes and rightfully belongs to its rightful owner. 

Attached in the last section of the content are references for further verification, if needed. Read more

References:

1. Wikipedia: Bureau of Fire Protection. (n.d.). Retrieved 2023, from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Fire_Protection]

2. Official Website: Bureau of Fire Protection. (n.d.). Mission, Vision, and Function. Retrieved 2023, from [https://bfp.gov.ph/about-us/mission-vision-and-function/]