IMPORTANCE OF FIRE VOLUNTEER BRIGADE RESPONSE IN BARANGAY NOVALICHES PROPER, QUEZON CITY

Abstract

In the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) serves as the primary agency responsible for enforcing fire safety regulations, conducting inspections, and ensuring public safety through the prevention and suppression of destructive fires. Established under Republic Act No. 6975, the BFP operates under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, with a mission to protect lives and properties from fire hazards.  Due to the high incidence of fire-related emergencies, the BFP actively collaborates with volunteer fire brigades. These volunteer groups play a crucial role in enhancing emergency response capabilities by providing additional manpower, equipment, and expertise. The BFP has recognized the importance of community-based volunteer brigades, with initiatives aimed at enlisting more volunteers to equip local communities in combating fire incidents. ​  The Association of Philippine Volunteer Fire Brigades, Inc. (APVFBI) serves as a central body uniting various volunteer groups, fostering collaboration, and advocating for the recognition and development of volunteer firefighters. Training programs, such as the Basic First Aid, Rescue, and Firefighting Operations Training Course, are conducted to enhance the skills and knowledge of volunteer firefighters, ensuring effective collaboration with the BFP. ​   Despite their significant contributions, challenges such as resource limitations, training gaps, and coordination issues persist. Understanding the dynamics of the collaboration between the BFP and volunteer fire brigades is essential to identify strengths, address shortcomings, and develop strategies for more effective fire management. This study employed a quantitative research design, specifically a descriptive approach, to assess the impact of police body-worn cameras on policing practices and public trust among the personnel of Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 4 in Novaliches. The study involved three distinct groups, each comprising 20 participants:​  Fire Volunteer Personnel: Members of volunteer fire brigades operating within Barangay Novaliches Proper.​ Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Personnel: Officers assigned to the local BFP station.​ Residents: Individuals residing within Barangay Novaliches Proper. Data Collection  Data were gathered through the distribution of structured questionnaires tailored to each participant group. Prior to data collection, informed consent was obtained from all respondents, ensuring their voluntary participation and understanding of the study's objectives. The questionnaires aimed to collect quantitative data regarding perceptions and experiences related to the implementation of body-worn cameras by QCPD Station 4.​  Data Analysis  The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize and interpret the responses:​  Frequency and Percentage: These measures were utilized to depict the distribution of categorical responses, offering a clear overview of the prevalence of specific perceptions or experiences within each group.​ Weighted Mean: This statistic was applied to assess the central tendency of responses, accounting for the varying degrees of importance assigned by respondents. It provided a nuanced understanding of collective perceptions regarding the use of body-worn cameras.​ These analytical methods facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the respondents' views on the use of body-worn cameras by QCPD Station 4, particularly concerning their impact on policing effectiveness and public trust. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents—comprising fire volunteer personnel, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officers, and residents of Barangay Novaliches Proper, Quezon City—"strongly agree" on the importance of training, equipment, and reliability in firefighting operations. This consensus highlights a shared recognition of the critical role these factors play in effective fire response and public safety.​  A significant challenge identified by fire volunteers is equipment shortages, leading to delayed response times during fire incidents. This issue aligns with findings from other studies, which report that inadequate equipment hampers firefighters' preparedness and response capabilities, potentially affecting their safety and the effectiveness of fire ground operations. ​   Addressing these challenges necessitates a collaborative approach involving government agencies, volunteer brigades, and the communities they serve. Strategies may include enhancing resource allocation for equipment and training, implementing volunteer recruitment and retention programs, and fostering partnerships to strengthen emergency response capabilities. To enhance firefighting and emergency response capabilities in Barangay Novaliches Proper, the following recommendations are proposed:​  Strengthen Collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP):  Establish formal partnerships with the BFP to ensure coordinated efforts in fire prevention, suppression, and community education.​ Align volunteer brigades' operations with BFP protocols, placing volunteer brigades under the direct operational control of BFP during firefighting operations. ​  Engage with Local Government Agencies:  Advocate for the needs of the fire volunteer brigades by actively participating in local government meetings and forums.​ Collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving fire safety infrastructure and services within the community.​ Foster Inter-Brigade Cooperation:  Develop mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire brigades to facilitate equipment sharing and support during major incidents.​ Organize joint training sessions and simulation exercises to enhance interoperability and teamwork.​ Prioritize Continuous Training and Skill Development:  Implement regular refresher courses and specialized training programs to keep volunteers updated with the latest firefighting techniques and safety protocols.​ Utilize training modules provided by recognized organizations to standardize knowledge and practices. ​  Enhance Funding and Resource Allocation:  Collaborate with local government units and private stakeholders to secure funding for essential firefighting equipment and resources.​ Explore grant opportunities from national and international agencies dedicated to supporting volunteer fire services. ​ By implementing these recommendations, the fire volunteer brigades of Barangay Novaliches Proper can significantly improve their operational effectiveness, ensure the safety of their personnel, and better serve the community's fire protection needs.