The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) MIMAROPA recorded an 18.4 percent decrease from its revenue collection in fire safety clearance applications in 2023 as other operations ceased in the region.
Fire Senior Superintendent Edwin Vargas, BFP MIMAROPA regional director, said during Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas that BFP MIMAROPA experienced a shift in revenue from P96.66 million in 2022 to P78.86 million in 2023.
The bureau cited the decrease in fire safety evaluation clearance applications and renewals of business permits as causes of the decrease.
“A number of establishments in the province of MIMAROPA have already ceased operations, indicating a significant shift in revenue collection,” Vargas reported.
The temporary closure of some businesses during the construction and renovation of the Aborlan Public Market also had an impact on the collection. An additional factor is the transfer of the handling of Malampaya Gas Energy to the national headquarters of BFP.
Despite a decline in 2023, the bureau expressed confidence in an increase in collection in 2024 after reaching its target of 51,037 inspected establishments.
As of June 2024, BFP MIMAROPA collected P67.35 million in fire code fees, which signifies an increase from the 2023 performance.
According to its fire investigation reports, residential building is the top type of occupancy from 2022 to 2024. The grassfire and forest ranked second and third, respectively, in 2022 and 2024.
The amount of damage based on the affidavit of loss has increased in June 2024, amounting to P188,215,207.00 from P89,389,613.00 in 2023.
This year’s most significant fire damage was recorded in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan with 691 houses in residential occupancy amounting to P109,405.815.00.
The massive fire on February 7 burned 352 residential houses in Barangay Bagong Silang and 339 in Pagkakaisa.
“This summary highlights the escalating impact of fire incidence over the years and the critical need for enhanced fire prevention and safety,” the bureau’s report showed.
In 2024, the top three causes of fire reported by BFP are open flame from rubbish fire/bonfire to structural fire; ignition of materials from ember / flying ember or alipato; and open flame from cooking through liquified petroleum gas, gas stove, and firewood. (RG/ PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
