THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION CONTINGENCY PLAN DURING NATURAL CALAMITY IN SELECTED BARANGAY IN VALENZUELA CITY

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) contingency plan during natural calamities in selected barangays in Valenzuela City. The research focuses on assessing the BFP’s preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster evaluation strategies. It aims to identify strengths and areas for improvement to enhance overall disaster management efforts and community safety during emergencies. A quantitative research design was employed, involving 50 purposively selected respondents—40 residents and 10 BFP officers—with direct experience in BFP disaster response operations. Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire, measuring key indicators such as emergency drills, risk assessment, personnel deployment, resource allocation, and post-disaster evaluation. Statistical tools were used to analyze respondent perceptions and evaluate the effectiveness of current contingency practices. The findings revealed that the BFP performs effectively in terms of personnel deployment and coordination with local government agencies. However, challenges persist in the areas of resource distribution, accurate risk assessment, and public disaster awareness. Communication gaps, limited training programs, and insufficient equipment were identified as key barriers to optimal performance. Additionally, post-disaster evaluations pointed to the need for improved data collection and analysis to enhance future response strategies. The study concludes that while the BFP’s contingency plan shows operational strengths, its effectiveness can be further improved by addressing gaps in training, resource management, and inter-agency coordination. Recommendations include expanding training programs, securing adequate disaster response equipment, improving communication protocols, and increasing community education on disaster preparedness. These measures can contribute to a more resilient and responsive disaster management framework for Valenzuela City.