CHALLENGES OF PERSONNEL OF BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION IN SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES OF 1ST AND 2ND DISTRICT OF QUEZON PROVINCE

This study aimed to determine the challenges of personnel of Bureau of Fire Protection in Selected Municipalities of 1st and 2nd District of Quezon Province. The gathering of data was conducted in Candelaria, Sariaya, Tayabas, Lucban, Pagbilao, and Lucena City Fire Station and the researchers utilized the descriptive method of research. A total of 85 BFP personnel (respondents) answered the questionnaire. Findings revealed that challenges results to the failure of fire extinguishments and leads to the ineffective service to the public. In terms of work demands, the respondents perceived that the hazardous nature of their work gave them challenge. In terms salaries and benefits, they said that they encountered problems such as low salary and insufficient benefits. In terms of facilities and equipment, the respondents said that absence of permanent fire station and insufficient active fire station was their main concern. Meanwhile, there were many services provided by the BFP in spite of these hindrances and continue to work even though they faced many challenges. These services such as the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires on different buildings and establishments, conducts of different programs, participation in inter-agency activities, conduct of regular fire drills and demonstrations in different barangays, investigation of all causes of fires, assistance in the evacuation of people in distress, assistance to AFP in times of national emergencies, assistance to PNP in crowd control and filing of appropriate complaints and cases in proper courts were just a few of their many work as BFP personnel. Since the Bureau of Fire Protection is concerned with the protection and safety of the lives and properties of everybody, it is recommended that they must exert more attention to their health, needed for additional equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment for the extinguishment of fires and saving lives. In addition to these, the sufficient number of electronic equipment for releasing of clearances and permits helps BFP personnel to perform their primary duty which is the inspection of buildings and establishments for the prevention of fire incidents.