Meralco teams up with fire bureau

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is teaming up with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to further promote and enhance public safety.

Meralco and the BFP recently signed an agreement that will provide a stronger emergency response capability within the BFP-NCR’s area of operation.

Both parties will collaborate to organize, train, and operationalize a fire brigade team that will be based inside the Meralco Operating Center in Pasig City.

The Meralco Fire Brigade is expected to help in immediately responding to fire incidents in the nearby communities and other slow-onset emergencies within Meralco’s franchise area.

It is also seen to significantly contribute to the BFP’s goal of reaching the target firegrounds within the ideal response time of five to seven minutes.

A Meralco Rescue team to be composed of safety, facilities, and security personnel, as well as employee volunteers, will also be organized as part of the partnership.

BFP officers and personnel will train and equip the rescue team with the necessary capabilities and competencies that will help them carry out their responsibilities.

Meralco will also construct its own fire station within the compound to further support the fire brigade’s 24/7 operations.

The fire station, which is expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2023, will serve as the fire emergency response center, training facility for the firefighters and rescue teams, and communication link between Meralco and the BFP.

The new fire station will likewise house the teams’ specialized equipment such as fire trucks, water tankers, rescue tenders, and rescue boats.

“Meralco’s primary mission is to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and efficient electricity service to all customers within our franchise area.  As part of our mandate, safety and protection are very important functions as well,” Meralco president and CEO Ray Espinosa said.

“It is in this light that we have developed a plan to establish a fully operational and complementary fire station here in Meralco to serve not just the needs of Meralco but also the needs of our nearby communities, particularly Pasig and Mandaluyong. And with the help of the BFP, we plan to operationalize this fire station and develop our own fire and rescue unit,” he said.

Meralco has been a long-time partner of the BFP in promoting fire prevention and safety awareness.

“We thank the BFP for making this a reality for us, and hopefully we can be part of your private sector support and join your runs in addressing fire incidents in Metro Manila,” Espinosa said.