BFP urged: Train baragay fire volunteers

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak has urged the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to train the barangay workers on how to operate the brand new fire trucks provided to the barangays.

This after a Christmas Day fire razed four houses and claimed one life in Sitio Abbia, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

“Naa na ang fire truck, wa magamit,” said Tumulak.

(There is a fire truck but was not used)

Tumulak was disappointed since he knew that there was a brand new fire truck intended for Barangay Mambaling, but was not utilized during the fire incident because of lack of trained personnel.

He said the BFP has yet to train the barangay workers who are supposed to man the brand new fire trucks.

According to Tumulak, the city government cannot turn over the fire trucks to the different barangays without barangay workers undergoing the proper training.

“Nasagmuyo ko sa nahitabo sa sunog sa Barangay Mambaling,” he said.

(I was disappointed at what happened in the fire in Barangay Mambaling)

“Twice na nasunog ang Barangay Mambaling... Ikapila na nag-request ang Barangay Mambaling nga ma-train ang mga tawo but until now wa pay response ang BFP,” he added.

(The fire happened twice already in Barangay Mambaling…they have made several request to train their personnel but the BFP has not responded until now)

Tumulak said there are four brand new fire trucks set to be delivered to Barangays Bulacao, Kinasang-an, Punta Princesa, and Mambaling.

The fire trucks are currently placed in General Services Office at the South Road Properties.

“Useless man kung magbutang og fire truck didto (barangays) unya walay maka-operate,” said Tumulak.

Tumulak stressed the importance of fire trucks in saving lives.

“Kung na-turnover pa tong fire truck, dako kaayo to’ng ikatabang,” he said.

Tumulak also urged the public to help in keeping the emergency vehicles in good condition. “Their own lives may be saved by these emergency vehicles,” he said.

One of Tumulak’s projects is to provide brand new fire trucks to the different barangays of the city. The procurement was charged against the city government’s share of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) funds.  FPL (FREEMAN)