Problems Encountered By the Bureau of Fire Protection Personnel in Fire Suppression at Novaliches, Quezon City

Abstract

Presidential Decree (P.D.) 1185 is the Fire Code of the Philippines enacted in 1977 to establish standards and prescribed practices for the prevention of accidental and intentional fires. P.D. 1185 aims to lessen the occurrence and spread of fire though fire prevention. The P.D. 1185 was amended by Republic Act (R.A.) 9514, an Act establishing The Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines that was signed and approved by former President Gloria Macapagal –Arroyo on December 19, 2008. The Bureau of Fire Protection announced several fire safety precautions to help manage fires. Despite these precautions, it is still struggling with handling and suppressing the rapid incidents of fire. The study evaluated the problems encountered by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel in terms of fire suppression, particularly on the problems that have occurred and been encountered during the fire suppression of its Personnel at Novaliches, Quezon City. With the disastrous effects of fire, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) under the DILG and R.A. 6975 otherwise known as DILG act of 1990, has a primary responsibility to perform the prevention and suppression of the destructive fires on buildings, houses, and other structures. This research was conducted with the use of the descriptive method of research to fully describe and determine the problem encountered by BFP Personnels in Fire Suppression at Novaliches, Quezon City. This particular method and technique were chosen because it allowed the quantitative and qualitative description of current status, traits, nature, and characteristics of the respondents. Further, it also revealed significant differences in the conditions under study. The respondents are described according to different demographical profiles. The majority of the respondents are from the age bracket of 36 years old and above, 90% are male, 65% are married, 100% are college graduates, and 35% are both 1-5 years and 6-10 years in terms of length of service. There are problems encountered by the Bureau of Fire Protection personnel in fire suppression at Novaliches Quezon City in terms of personnel, logistics, funds, and traffic congestions and these are assessed as serious. There is a level of implementation by the Bureau of Fire Protection at Novaliches Quezon City in terms of the seminar, actual demonstration, issuance of certificate, and community relation and these are evaluated as highly implemented. Some measures were proposed to address the problems encountered by the Bureau of Fire Protection at Novaliches, Quezon City and these were appraised as highly recommended. The result of the study can be used in resolving the problems encountered and help improve the implementation by the Bureau of Fire Protection Personnel at Novaliches, Quezon City. This will help them determine the factors of the problem which need more attention and immediate solution.