Shorter applicants with special skills or outstanding academic records now stand a chance at joining the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), following its decision to resume processing height and age waivers.
Under the updated guidelines, height waiver requests will only be considered for male applicants who are at least 1.52 meters (4 feet 11 inches) and female applicants who are at least 1.47 meters (4 feet 9 inches).
“All height waiver applications are subject to final review and approval by the BFP Height Waiver Committee. Meeting the minimum height does not guarantee acceptance,’’ the BFP clarified.
To qualify, applicants must showcase remarkable academic credentials—such as being honor graduates, consistent scholars, or board and bar topnotchers.
The BFP will also consider candidates possessing specialized skills essential to fire suppression, fire prevention, or operating heavy machinery like aerial ladders and rescue tenders. Drivers holding a professional license with restriction codes 2 and 3, as well as emergency medical responders, are eligible.
Furthermore, applicants certified by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in pump operation, auto diesel engine repair, or auto electrical troubleshooting—along with those who possess “other skills that will assist with the tradition and need of uniformed service”—may be given due consideration.
“Prepare your documents and contact the nearest Regional PRAISE Committee or BFP Office in your locality for wide acceptance of your applications,’’ the BFP advised interested applicants.
BFP Chief Directorial Staff Chief Supt. Andrew Mendova directed regional directors to start accepting waiver applications according to official rules and urged them to ensure broad public dissemination.
Alongside the recruitment update, the BFP launched a 40-hour Basic Occupational Safety and Health training to bolster firefighters’ ability to manage hazards and carry out high-risk rescue missions.
Selected personnel from the Special Rescue Force National Headquarters and the National Capital Region were chosen to participate in the five-day program, which covers hazard identification, emergency response, and safety drill execution.
Speaking on behalf of BFP Officer-in-Charge Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, Mendova highlighted the program’s focus on personnel safety.
“We need our personnel to be safe so they can save and protect the public,” Mendova said.
“Personnel from Special Rescue Force National Headquarters and National Capital Region were selected as participants,’’ Mendova lamented.