The local government unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran hands a brand-new service vehicle to the City Fire Department in simple turnover ceremonies, according to a City Media Bureau report.
The new pick-up truck procured by the LGU is now being used by the Tagbilaran Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), which is led by Fire Sr. Insp, Marilyn Macatangay.
The budget for the new pick-up truck was sourced from the collection of fees from the business permits application.
To date, the amount of business taxes collected in 2019 reached to P329 million, 6% or P20 million higher compared to 2018’s total collection.
Republic Act 9514 or more commonly known as the Fire Code of the Philippines mandates that 20% of all fee collections made by the BFP through the LGU will be set aside and retained by the city or municipal government concerned to finance the operation and maintenance of the local fire station.
The remaining eighty (80%) of the collection of the BFP in fees in the LGU level shall be remitted to the National Treasury under a trust fund assigned for the modernization of the BFP.
Mayor John Geesnell Yap II is thankful, that even with the pandemic, businesses were are able to pay their taxes on time.
“The income generated from these taxes are so essential in the operations of the local government. Because of these taxes, projects are funded and implemented. This new vehicle given to the City Fire is a classic example, the City Government was able to procure this vehicle in compliance with the Fire Code.This in turn will benefit the Tagbilaranons as the new vehicle will be used to respond to emergencies, especially during this pandemic”, Yap said.
Moreover, Macatangay in an interview shared the information that the new pick-up vehicle will be solely assigned to rescue operations.
The City Fire Dept. coordinates closely with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRM) to come up with a seamless protocol regarding rescue operations.
“Our operations will be made efficient by this new reinforcement. Aside from being the frontline responder to emergencies, we can now assist the CDRRM in its rescue activities”, Macatangay emphasized.