Section 4Sec./Art. 4

BFP Modernization Program. The BFP shall, in coordination with the DILG, establish and implement the BFP Modernization Program which shall be geared towards the enhancement of the capability of its personnel and acquisition of state-of-the-art fire prevention, fire suppression, fire investigation, and emergency medical and rescue services facilities and equipment. The BFP Modernization Program shall consist of the following components:

(a) Fire Protection Service The BFP Modernization Program shall include the establishment of Fire Protection Service including the establishment of rescue hotlines in all LGUs:Provided,That priority shall be given to municipalities with no existing fire protection services;

(b) Force Restructuring and Organizational Development The BFP Modernization Program shall develop the BFP into a compact, efficient, responsive and modern firefighting force with the capability to implement Republic Act No. 9514. Within ninety (90) days from the promulgation of rules and regulations to implement this Act, the BFP shall recommend and submit to the Secretaries of the DILG and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the revised organizational structure and staffing pattern for officers and personnel of the BFP. The BFP shall design and establish a qualifications upgrading program for the BFP officers and personnel in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission;

(c) Capability, Material, and Technology Development Upon the effectivity of this Act, the existing fire protection equipment and services of the BFP shall be upgraded through the acquisition of new and modern equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment:Provided,That the acquisition of new equipment shall be synchronized with the phase out of uneconomical and obsolete major equipment and systems in the BFP inventory;

(d) Specialized Services Development The BFP Modernization Program shall establish specialized fire protection services such as high-rise building fires, forest fires, aircraft and airport fires, chemical fires, disaster rescue services, and emergency medical services.

It shall also include the establishment of a Search and Rescue Force, HAZMAT units, Fire and Arson Investigation Unit, and Security and Protection Unit in every region and city, as well as an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in every municipality and city:Provided,That each EMS unit to be established shall be comprised of an ambulance with adequate medical equipment, and qualified and trained personnel:Provided, further,That every Security and Protection Unit (SPU) shall be composed of two (2) team leaders with the rank of at least Fire Inspector and team members, who shall undergo a neuropsychological examination and periodic trainings:Provided, furthermore,That BFP personnel with the rank of Senior Fire Officer III may be given priority to be appointed as SPU team member:Provided, finally,That SPU shall be provided with appropriate equipment to protect firefighters during fire suppression, containment of HAZMAT and CBRNE materials, fire investigation, and in the performance of all other acts pertinent to their mandate; and

(e) Human Resource Development The modernization program shall include the development of a comprehensive training program for BFP personnel and BFP volunteers, including mandatory training for new entrants and newly-appointed personnel of the BFP, and BFP volunteers, and establishment of training facilities.

In order to accelerate the Personnel Development Program, the BFP shall encourage and promote volunteerism and shall develop guidelines for the enlistment and training of BFP volunteers, Internationally accredited training consultants and advisers may be hired if the BFP determines that there is no Filipino citizen who is competent, able, and willing to provide the same expertise.

The BFP shall, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), provide necessary trainings for its EMS, which include infection control and exposure, emergency vehicle response, incident rehabilitation, critical incident stress management, response to HAZMAT, response to mass casualty incidents (MCI), and response to vehicle accidents, among others.