All municipalities across the Philippines are expected to have their own firetrucks within the next 18 months following a new agreement between the Philippines and South Korea aimed at ensuring a direct and transparent procurement process.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the government plans to distribute 1,500 firetrucks nationwide within one and a half years to address shortages in firefighting equipment and improve emergency response capabilities.
“Within one and a half years, kumpleto (firetruck) na lahat ang munisipyo, wala na tayong magiging problema. Kumpleto na sa buong Pilipinas,’’ Remulla vowed.
He also described the procurement arrangement with South Korea as a transparent transaction designed to maximize public benefit.
“This is the cleanest transaction that is possible with the best possible benefit sa lahat ng mga Pilipino,’’ Remulla asserted.
Remulla made the announcement during the turnover of 20 Class 1 Unified 911 emergency response motorcycles to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6) at Camp General Martin Teofilo Delgado in Iloilo City.
The interior secretary also called on the public to expect improved services from law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
“People should expect more. They should not expect less from their police and the BFP,” he added.
Of the 20 Honda PCX160 motorcycles, 10 units were allocated to the Aklan Police Provincial Office and received by Col. Arnel Ramos and Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores.
The remaining 10 motorcycles were turned over to the Iloilo City Police Office, with Col. Wilbert Parilla and Iloilo City Administrator Melchor Tan receiving the units.
Remulla said the motorcycles will provide additional logistical support to emergency responders as the Unified 911 system continues its nationwide rollout, giving Filipinos a single and accessible hotline for emergency assistance.