THE IMPACT OF EQUIPMENT SHORTAGE ON FIREFIGHTING PERFORMANCE IN THE BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION (BFP) ON AGHAM, FIRE SUB-STATION QUEZON CITY

Abstract

In the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is tasked with ensuring fire safety, preventing fires, and responding to fire emergencies and accidents. However, similar to many government agencies globally, the BFP faces challenges stemming from shortages in firefighting equipment, which can hinder their ability to effectively carry out these responsibilities. The root of these shortages dates back to the early days of firefighting, when firemen relied on rudimentary tools and equipment. As firefighting techniques have advanced over the years, the need for modern, more efficient equipment has grown, yet the supply often falls short. This ongoing issue highlights the critical need for increased funding, improved resource allocation, and continuous upgrades to firefighting infrastructure and equipment to enable the BFP to carry out its mission of safeguarding public safety. This study will utilize a quantitative descriptive research design to assess the key variables identified by the researcher. A purposive sampling technique will be used to select a total of fifty (50) participants, consisting of ten (10) firefighters, ten (10) fire volunteers, and thirty (30) residents. Data will be collected through a survey questionnaire, which will be distributed among the selected participants. The collected data will be analyzed using statistical methods, including mean, frequency, percentage, and overall weighted mean, to interpret and draw conclusions from the responses. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents in the study on the impact of equipment shortages on firefighting performance at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Agham Fire Sub-Station in Quezon City "strongly agreed" that the lack of equipment negatively affects fire suppression, fire prevention, and the ability to save lives and property. Additionally, the respondents highlighted that one of the major challenges faced during refresher training courses for barangay fire volunteers was the insufficiency of equipment. This shortage, they noted, limits the sub-station's capacity to effectively respond to fires, especially during larger or more intense emergencies. Based on the findings, the researcher offers the following recommendations:  Advocate for increased government funding and resource allocation to ensure the adequate procurement of essential firefighting equipment. Develop and implement comprehensive fire safety education programs for communities, businesses, and schools within the Agham Fire Sub-Station's jurisdiction. Facilitate joint training exercises and collaborative operations with other agencies to enhance coordination and efficiency in firefighting activities. Install and maintain early warning systems, such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, and automated fire suppression systems, in residential and commercial buildings to provide timely alerts and enable swift evacuation.