Pres. Duterte promises firemen full support, new equipment

President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated newly-elected South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who was sworn into office Wednesday. (Photo: TOTO LOZANO/Presidential Photo)

MANILA, Aug. 3 — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on August 2, Wednesday, highlighted the importance of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and vowed to provide the firemen with the best equipment.

“I intend to build a strong country, but I have to start with the Armed Forces, police at kayo,” the President said in his speech during the celebration of BFP’s 26th anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

“All those connected — those in government especially connected in the protection of lives and property, pare-pareho. You are no less important than the others,” he said.

The Chief Executive said the BFP and its personnel will also be prioritized in terms of spending.

“Kaya, you can be very sure — as I have promised also the soldiers and the police, that you will have the priority in spending. Kaya ‘yung mga sweldo ninyo lumaki na,” he said.

“Double the amount and by the year’s end — if you’ll look at your paychecks now, it’s growing and growing — by the year’s end, pare-pareho na kayo halos.

Doblado na ang sweldo ninyo,” he added.

President Duterte also told BFP officials and employees that the Duterte administration will provide them with the best equipment.

“Pero what I am really saying is that, ngayon, hingiin na ninyo ‘yung the best at ibibigay ko,” he said.

The President also assured that the BFP will get what is allotted for them in the national budget.

“Ang maasahan ninyo is that kung ano ang inyo, sa inyo talaga. I will see to it na kung ano ‘yung nasa budget, will go to you, and you will have the best and you will have the quality that you want,” he said.

“You just insist on me na ‘yun and I will take your word for it and I will buy it,” the President said.