MOA Signed for Disaster Preparedness in Pangasinan

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Led by Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Regional Director FCSUPT Leonida V. Gumanab-Rosales, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed today at the Urduja House, Capitol Grounds in Lingayen. The objective of the agreement is to enhance the preparedness of towns, cities, and the provincial capital against man-made disasters.

As part of the pact, the BFP has donated a fire truck to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan. According to the MOA, the provincial government is required to establish a fire station where the donated fire truck will be stationed, and funds are to be allocated for its regular maintenance.

The provincial government’s responsibilities under the agreement also include liaising with the BFP for the training and seminars of civilian fire volunteers across the province. Additionally, the BFP Region 1 will be responsible for training government employees who wish to become civilian fire volunteers.

As outlined in the agreement, the Lingayen Fire Station will be tasked with conducting regular inspections of the fire truck and providing guidance on its proper usage. This fire station will serve as the coordination center for responding to emergency cases in the component municipalities and cities.

Governor Guico expressed gratitude for the donation from BFP Region 1. The agreement aligns with Republic Act No. 6975 or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, which mandates the establishment of fire stations in each province, town, and city with sufficient personnel and equipment.

This agreement follows a similar pact between the BFP and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan in September 2009. To strengthen disaster preparedness, Governor Ramon V. Guico III and CSUPT Leonida V. Gumanab-Rosales agreed to revive the agreement. Governor Guico’s entry into the agreement is based on Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution 768-2023, approved on September 06, 2023.

Witnesses to the signing included Atty. Ronn Dale B. Castillo, Acting Provincial Fire Marshal FCINSP Ronaldo M. Perez, and Provincial Engr. Amadeo B. Veras, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, 2nd District Board Member Philip Cruz, and other officers from BFP Region 1.