Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and the Bureau of Fire Protection on Friday distributed 54 brand-new fire trucks to recipient local fire stations at the BFP National Headquarters in Quezon City.

Abalos said the newly procured 1,000-gallon capacity firetrucks were distributed to fire stations with no adequate firefighting capability and to re-fleet aging and deteriorating firetrucks.

"The distribution of these modern and state-of-the-art fire trucks is a testament that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the DILG prioritize the safety of our communities and citizens," he said.

Of the 54 firetrucks, Bicol Region received the most firetrucks with eight, followed by Caraga with seven; and Northern Mindanao with five.

Calabarzon, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon will get four firetrucks each; Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, SOCCSKSARGEN, NCR, three each.

Also, two firetrucks each for Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, and BARMM; and one for CAR.

Purchased through the 2022 budget and 2023 Early Procurement Activity, the brand-new fire trucks are fully equipped with basic firefighting equipment, such as Fire Fighting Hoses and nozzles, Foam Generating Nozzle with Alcohol Resistant – Aqueous Film Forming Foam, and other firefighting operation tools and accessories designed using the appropriate fire service standards adaptable to Philippine conditions.

The DILG chief also assured that besides acquiring new fire trucks, ambulances, and equipment, the firefighters' skills and expertise will also be enhanced.

It will be done through capacity-building activities introducing new firefighting techniques, and up-to-date technologies as part of the BFP modernization program.

"A BFP that is responsive to the call of the times and the needs of the people. Iyan ang pangako natin sa taumbayan," Abalos stressed.