Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday urged 214 newly promoted Bureau of Fire Protection personnel to lead with integrity, set an example and earn the public’s trust as they assume greater responsibilities.

Remulla issued the challenge during their oath-taking and mass donning of ranks ceremony at the BFP National Headquarters in Quezon City.

“We have many things to do. Many ranks to cleanse. Many fires to put out. But I ask all of you, before you change the system, change yourselves also. Be an inspiration to the people you serve, the people under you. And be an inspiration to the Filipinos,” he said.

Remulla said meaningful government reform begins with personal accountability. He recalled that when he entered public service 31 years ago, he first sought to improve himself before trying to change the system.

“Ako ang unang nagbago at binago ko ang sistema,” he said.

(I was the first to change, and I changed the system.)

Remulla also recalled the advice President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave him when he assumed leadership of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

“Nung pumasok ako sa DILG, sabi sa akin ng Presidente, huwag na huwag kang tatanggap ng pera diyan sa jueteng. Huwag mong ipapakain sa pamilya mo ’yan. May malas na kasama ’yan. Ganun din ang pinaparating ko sa inyo,” he said.

(When I joined the DILG, the President told me never to accept money from jueteng. Do not use it to feed your family because it brings misfortune. I am giving you the same message.)

Remulla stressed that a promotion was not merely recognition of a higher rank but carried a greater responsibility to uphold BFP standards and protect public confidence in the institution.

“We should serve with pride and honor. Ang gusto ko, habang nagsisilbi kayo, ang sasabihin ng Pilipino, ‘We trust the BFP. May tiwala kami sa DILG,’” he said.

(We should serve with pride and honor. I want Filipinos to say while you are serving, “We trust the BFP. We trust the DILG.”)

Of the 214 promoted personnel, 195 were junior commissioned officers and 19 were noncommissioned officers.

The junior commissioned officers comprised 29 promoted to fire superintendent, 42 to fire chief inspector, 73 to senior fire inspector and 51 to fire inspector. The 19 noncommissioned officers were promoted to ranks ranging from senior fire officer 4 to fire officer 2.

Also present were DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Jed Patrick Mabilog, Assistant Secretary for Public Safety Richard Thomas Joson and BFP officer in charge Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu.