Firefighters Recognition Day

Office of the scorerary. TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) FEB -9 P1:43 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1797 S. No. Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT PROCLAIMING THE 1st FRIDAY OF MARCH AS FIREFIGHTERS RECOGNITION DAY EXPLANATORY NOTE Under Republic Act No. 6975 or the "Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990", the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and its firefighters are mandated to, among others, be responsible for the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires, investigate all causes of fire, and assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines to meet national emergencies. It goes without saying that firefighters expose themselves to extraordinary personal risks. In 2024 alone, at least two firefighters died in the line of duty-one due to electric shock while responding to a fire that destroyed food stalls in Pagbilao, Quezon, and another when a burning house in Barangay Batis, San Juan City collapsed. Thus, their selfless public service deserves the highest honor and praise. This bill seeks to establish a time to honor their service to the country in recognition of their important contribution to ensuring the nation's safety and well- being. In this regard, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR ROC

Senate Office of tie Actretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 26 FEB -9 P1:43 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1797 S. No. Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT PROCLAIMING THE 15t FRIDAY OF MARCH AS FIREFIGHTERS RECOGNITION DAY Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section. 1. The 1s Friday of March shall hereby be permanently designated as

"Firefighters Recognition Day".

Sec. 2. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall urge all

citizens to recognize "Firefighters Recognition Day" and shall hold programs and activities in all cities and municipalities in observance of the event.

Sec. 3. The DILG shall promulgate the appropriate implementing rules and

regulations within fifteen (15) days from the approval of this Act.

Sec. 4. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder

thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 5. All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof

inconsistent with any provision hereof are hereby repealed or modified accordingly

Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its publication in

the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,