Volunteer Firefighters Act

Senate Ditise of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 MAR 19 P2:19 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2006 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF HONORARIUM, MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded an eight percent (8%) increase in fire incidents in the first two months of 2026, compared with the same period last year.' In times like this, when fire breaks with lives and properties are at risk, the firefighters are the first responders who risk their lives for the safety and protection of many. Volunteer fire fighters bridge the critical gaps in manpower of the BFP and provide crucial support in facing challenges such as lack of fire trucks, equipment and shortage of personnel. In 2024, there were over 300,000 fire volunteers nationwide providing for the much needed manpower support to BFP.? Among these firefighters are residents forming barangay brigades. They contribute collective efforts not just in fighting fires but also in fire prevention and spreading awareness of the causes thereof. These volunteers respond to incidents in rural and densely populated urban areas. However, they often lack adequate support from the system they work to * https://tribune.net.ph/2026/02/28/fire-incidents-surge-warns-bfp @https://mb.com.ph//2024/8/13/abalos-300-000-strong-fire-volunteers-to-be-community-anti-illegal-drug- ambassadors?.com

protect. Many firefighters are underpaid, underinsured, and left to bear the financial burden of medical expenses themselves after an injury. 3 This bill seeks to institutionalize the grant of honorarium to volunteer fire fighters and provide for medical and such other benefits. The passage of this bill will address the insufficiency of assistance given to firefighters who suffer injuries while safeguarding the public. Ultimately, this measure aims to recognize and reciprocate the firefighters act of volunteerism and selflessness and will ensure that the country, whose welfare and safety they are fighting for, fights alongside them. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is sought. MARK A. VILLAR 3 https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/16/fire-volunteers-struggle-for-support-amid-recent-blazes-in-metro-manila

Senate Offier of the senectary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 26 MAR 19 P2:19 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2006 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF HONORARIUM, MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Volunteer Firefighters

Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to recognize

• volunteerism as a significant driver of political, economic and social development as it builds inclusion, solidarity and social cohesion. The State shall implement programs 6 that lead to stronger communities, capacity development and increased social capital 7 thereby encouraging involvement in volunteer activities.

Sec. 3. Volunteer Firefighter - community fire volunteer duly accredited and

certified by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Sec. 4. Mandatory Training and BFP Certification (COC) - Volunteer firefighters

must complete approved, specialized training including fire operations, emergency response, and rescue techniques. The BFP shall evaluate and issue Certificates of Competency to authorized fire safety practitioners and organizations.

Sec. 5. Honorarium. - Volunteer Firefighters shall receive an honorarium in the

amount of Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000.00) per month, the funding of which shall be sourced from the Quick Response Fund or the local disaster risk reduction and management fund of the local government unit covering the area of responsibility of the volunteer fire fighter.

Sec. 6. Medical Benefit. - Volunteer fire fighters who sustain injuries while

participating in the activities to extinguish a fire shall receive free medical assistance including medicines, consultation, hospitalization, and medical procedures in any government hospital or institution.

Sec. 7. Dismemberment or Death Benefit. - In case of the volunteer fire

responder's dismemberment which includes loss of limb, partial or permanent 7 paralysis, or the loss of use of specific body parts, such as the loss of sight, hearing, or speech, the fire responder shall receive financial assistance in the amount of not 9 less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00) In case of death, the beneficiary of such volunteer fire fighter shall receive financial assistance in the amount of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 100,000.00).

Sec 8. Appropriation. - The amount necessary for the implementation of

Section 6 and 7 of this Act shall be charged to the Bureau of Fire Protection

Modernization Trust Fund created under the Republic Act. No. 11589, or the "Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act." Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued implementation shail be included in the budget of the BFP in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the

approval of this Act, the BFP shall, in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government, Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, rules, regulations,

and other issuances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

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