BFP gets 3rd straight unmodified audit opinion

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has received an unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (CoA) for the third consecutive year, indicating its financial statements for fiscal year 2024 were found free of material misstatements and in accordance with government accounting standards.

In a report submitted by CoA Director IV Miriam M. Villanueva of Cluster 4, National Government Audit Sector, the bureau also received a 90 percent rating under CoA’s Financial Management Performance Rating — a score classified as “Excellent.”

The latest audit results suggest the BFP has maintained consistent compliance with public sector financial reporting requirements. The unmodified opinion, CoA’s highest rating, points to the bureau’s adherence to applicable financial frameworks and the absence of major audit findings.

This year’s rating follows similar outcomes from previous audits, contributing to a pattern of favorable assessments.

The BFP has been implementing a modernization program aimed at improving firefighting capabilities, manpower, equipment, and use of technology.

The program, launched in line with the Comprehensive Fire Code of 2008, received a total of P13.17 billion in funding from 2011 to 2017.

CoA’s report noted that the bureau’s procurement procedures and technical specifications generally complied with audit and performance standards. No irregularities were flagged in the implementation of the modernization effort.

In 2023, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed a bill seeking to institutionalize the modernization roadmap to ensure continuity in upgrading the agency’s capabilities and preparedness for evolving public safety demands.