By Republic of the Philippines Department of the Interior and Local Government BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION REGIONAL OFFICE It! MGC, Brgy. Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga Contact Number: (0943) 700-3136 Email address: fcos.region3@bfp.gov.ph MEMORANDUM To: ALL PFDs and C/MFMs. SUBJECT: REITERATION OF BFP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR 2020-028 GUIDELINES IN THE CONDUCT AND ADMINISTRATION OF TRAINING FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FIRE AUXILLARY GROUP (CFAG), FIRE VOLUNTEERS AND COMPANY FIRE BRIGADES AND OTHER PURPOSES DATE: 41. November 2022 1. References: a. Memorandum dated 25 October 2022 signed FIRE DIRECTOR LOUIE PURACAN, CEO VI, Chief, BFP re: Guideline in the Conduct and ‘Administration of Training for Members of the Community Fire Auxillary Group (CFAG), Fire Volunteers and Company Fire Brigades and other purposes. b. Memorandum dated 07 November 2022 signed FIRE DIRECTOR LOUIE PURACAN, CEO VI, Chief, BFP re: Amendment to Specific Provision of MC 2022-028, and c. Notice of Meeting dated 10 November 2022 on Cascading of MC 2022- 028. 2. In connection with the above references, you are hereby directed to adhere to the attached Memorandum Circular concerning the implementation of the Guidelines in the Conduct and Administration of Training for Members of the Community Fire Auxillary Group (CFAG), Fire Volunteers, Company Fire Brigades, and other purposes within your AOR. 3. For widest dissemination and strict compliance. Re P AGUTO c ) BFP REGIONAL DIRECTOR tgf/desktop/files2021/reiterationofme2022-028_downat the Philippines Department of the interior and Local Government BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS ‘Agham Road, Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City Telefax Number. (02) 426 - 4399 Email ofcbfp@amail.com 25 OCTOBER 2022 Date MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. ___ 2022 - 028 SUBJECT: GUIDELINES IN THE CONDUCT AND ADMINISTRATION OF TRAINING FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FIRE AUXILIARY GROUP (CFAG), FIRE VOLUNTEERS, AND COMPANY FIRE BRIGADES AND OTHER PURPOSES |. REFERENCES A Approved OPLAN LIGTAS NA PAMAYANAN Policy Guidelines; B.DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-040 _institutionalizing the Implementation of OPLAN LIGTAS NA PAMAYANAN in all barangays nationwide; and C. Rule 6 of RA 9514 The Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations. i, SCOPE This circular covers the conduct and administration of trainings, issuance of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), Membership Identification Cards and use of uniforms for the Community Fire Auxiliary Group (CFAG), Fire Volunteers and Company Fire Brigades. Ml. DEFINITION OF TERMS Basic Skill for Responders (BSR) Training - the first and awareness level training program designed to provide the fire brigades with the basic fire-fighting and emergency response skills and competencies, Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) ~ a certification issued by the BFP to any individual who successfully completed the prescribed program of instructions of the Basic Skill for Responders (BSR) Training Community Fire Auxiliary Group (CFAG) — the re-structured Barangay Fire Brigade established under the BAYANIHAN Program of OPLAN LIGTAS NA PAMAYANAN. A group of individuals in the community tasked with becoming the first responders and force multipliers of the BFP during fire emergencies. Fire Brigade — a collective term that refers to a group of firefighters, primarily performing fire suppression activities in specified areas such as, but not limited to, ‘community/barangay, company, and other government and non-government ae OCestablishments. For the purpose of this policy, the fire brigade herein referred to shall be the Company Fire Brigades. Fire Volunteer — a person who voluntarily enters into firefighting service through a Fire Volunteer Organization (FVO) and undergo the same discipline as that of BFP firefighters. Fire Volunteer Organization (FVO) — an organized group of private firefighters; recognized by the BFP, who have voluntarily formed themselves to perform fire- related activities. Mission Order — a written order issued by the Fire Marshal to OLP Team Leaders authorizing the conduct of various activities prescribed in the OLP. Technical Skills for Responders (TSR) Training — the second and specialized training program designed to provide members of the CFAG with specialized and technical expertise in the various units such as emergency medical first responders rescue, traffic and evacuation control, incident command and others. IV. RATIONALE ‘Community preparedness is the first line of defense for any type of emergency be it natural or man-made. A community able to respond immediately to calamities is the epitome of community preparedness and a testament to unity and people empowerment itis therefore the responsibility of all agencies tasked with responding to natural and man- made emergencies to build and increase the capabilities of every community in the country by establishing a first line of defense or first responders. With the implementation of OPLAN LIGTAS NA PAMAYANAN or OLP, the establishment of the Community Fire Auxiliary Groups or CFAG is one of the BFP’s primary goals as it increases the capabilities of communities in responding to fire emergencies. The hazard mapping and hazard analysis as well as the creation of the Community Fire Protection Plan (CFPP) complemented by establishing a fully functioning and organized first responders. This, for the BFP, completes all the layer of protection for the community through hazard analysis, contingency planning and immediate response procedures. Under the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9514, Rule 6 “govern the organization, equipage, operation, and proficiency training of company and community fire brigades as well as continuous training and competency evaluation of fire volunteers and fire volunteer organizations in the country who shall undergo mandatory fire prevention, fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services and other related ‘emergency response training programs and competency evaluations to be conducted by the BFP.” Whereas, Division 3 of the same Rule dictates the conduct of training to said fire brigades that says; SECTION 6.0.3.2 TRAINING DESIGN A training design shall be developed by the BFP for fire volunteers, fire volunteer organizations, fire brigades and fire safety practitioners. Members shall be required to complete the specified program of instruction. SECTION 6.0.3.3 SCOPE OF TRAINING A.All members of the fire brigade, fire volunteer and fire volunteer organizations shall undergo training on fire prevention, fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services and related emergency response. The training program shall be adapted to the purpose of the particular ee ©0Bsbrigade. It shall include fire suppression strategies, tactics, techniques and the use of portable fire extinguishers and other equipment, devices and tools B.In the case of fire safety practitioners, they shall undergo mandatory continuous professional education and competency evaluation of their expertise, knowledge and skills in the areas of fire science, engineering and technology to be conducted by the BFP. Recognizing the vital role of the CFAG, Fire Brigades and Fire Volunteers as the BFP’s immediate force-multiplier in times of fire emergencies, it is therefore necessary that the BFP institutionalizes the trainings and administration of these groups in order to further elevate their status as fully recognized emergency first responders in the community. Hence, this policy. Vv. OBJECTIVES 1. Provide basic skills and capabilities to Community Fire Auxiliary Group members, Fire Brigades and Fire Volunteers through appropriate training programs responsive to their needs and capabilities; 2. Increase the number of trained CFAG members by 15% every year following the targeted number of CFAG to be established nationwide and provide continuous enhancement trainings every year thereafter; and 3. Ensure the competency based training for fire volunteers and fire brigades nationwide VI. TRAINING PROGRAM. 4: TRAINING TRAININGS The training program for the CFAG, Fire Brigades and Fire Volunteers shall be divided into two levels based on the level of competency that certain units of the group should possess. These two levels are A. Basic Skills for Responders Training (BSR Training) — the first and awareness level training program designed to provide the responders with the basic fire-fighting and emergency response skills and competencies. This training shall be given to; all who wish or nominated as members of the CFAG prior to being officially recognized as members; members of company fire brigades; and members of fire volunteer organizations. B. Technical Skills for Responders Training (TSR Training) — the second and specialized training program designed to provide members of the CFAG, Fire Brigades and Fire Volunteers a specialized and technical expertise in the various units such as emergency medical first responders, rescue, traffic and evacuation control, incident command and others. nea ©0BS% 2: PRESCRIBED PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTIONS AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION Each level shall observe the following prescribed program of instructions subject to administration procedures. To wit: 2.1-A Basic Skills for Responders Training (BSR T! ing) PO! SOURCE IE SUBJECT DISCRIPTION MATERIAL ALLOTMENT aa ;__ifeduetion to . Concepts of concept of fire, its Fire chemistry, causes, ey nes “growth and source. | Biles set Introduction to 10us: 2. Firefighting firefighting tools, personal protective Tools and oe eae phe 60 Minutes eens and other means of SCHOOL —protecton INITIATIVE Introduction to fire behavior indicators, | Training Guide 3. Fire Operation | for First | ‘suai stages offre, phases | fo" Firs 60 Minutes 9 of fire operation, fire ‘esponders ___ response capabilities _ Fao. Introduction to various ase strategies used in 4, Fire Fighting fighting fire including Strategies * conventional and Sonera, unconventional | | |_methods. at sare 5. Practical Actual demonstration | 6 a1 tion | Demonstration of the concepts | Chace 240 Minutes | and Evaluation** _ discussed. I aie ea 480 Minutes TOTAL TIME REQUIRED (@ Hours) Note: ** Refers to topics than can be expanded or extended depending on the assessment of the Fire Marshal especially for training of Fire Volunteers. However, _ extension shall not exceed to double the specified time frame. : | ing Administration of Basic Skills for Responders Training Conduct of the BSR Training shall conform to the following regulations. 1. All nominated members of the CFAG, Fire Brigades and Fire Volunteers shall undergo the BSR Training prior to official admission to the group. 2. The training shall be administered by the BFP through its designated OLP Facilitators and Bumbero sa Barangay. Training materials shall be prepared by both the BFP and the barangay although it is highly encouraged that materials for the practical demonstration be provided by the barangay as they can use said materials for their regular and succeeding drills. Page 4 of 12,3. A standardized training manuscript will be made available by the Directorate for Fire Safety and Enforcement (DFSE) through its Fire Safety Information Division (FSID) in collaboration with the Directorate for Operations (DO) subject to regular updating. However, nothing delimits the lecturers or facilitators to upgrade their lecture materials to what they believe more interactive to their target audience. 4, The Bumbero sa Barangay shall coordinate with the Barangay Officials and the Chief, CFAG, Fire Brigade and Fire Volunteer for the date and time of the BSR Training. It will be endorsed to the C/MFM who shall likewise issue a Mission Order authorizing the conduct of the same. 5. Prior to training, the designated Bumbero sa Barangay through the barangay officials shall cause the registration of all CFAG, Company Fire Brigades and Fire Volunteer applicants using the prescribed Admission Form. For the CFAG, said form shall serve as the official registration document for CFAG members in the barangay. Said lists shall be submitted for recording at the National Headquarters through the DFSE. 6. The prescribed training time requirement should be administered in one seating and cannot be divided into two or more separate dates except for Fire Volunteer Organization. 7. Pursuant to Section 6.0.3.1 of RA 9514 RIRR, there shall be two types of certificates that will be issued; a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and Certificate of Competency (COC). The CCT shall be issued to all trainees who satisfactorily completed the training to be signed and issued by the Provincial/District Fire Marshal duly recommended by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal. The CCT issued shall serve as a requirement for the issuance of COC for Company Fire Brigades, Fire Volunteers and Fire Volunteer Organizations which will be issued by the Regional Director. 8. Pursuant to the same provision of the Fire Code, for Company Fire Brigades, Fire Volunteers and Fire Volunteer Organizations, in addition to completion of training, the COC. will only be issued upon submission of the following documentary requirements. i. Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT); ii, Personal profile; ili, Certificate of employment, in the case of fire safety practitioners; and iv. Other documents the BFP may require subject to future issuance by the BFP NHQ. 9. For CFAG only the CCT will be issued unless said group is registered separately to other government office as a fully functioning volunteer fire brigade/organization. 10. Along with the CCT and COC a Membership Identification Card shall also be issued subject to the guidelines in this circular. Page 5 of 12\ "Page 6 of 12 11.All Identification Cards for CFAG, Company Fire Brigade and Fire Volunteers shall be signed and issued by the Regional Director having jurisdiction as recommended by the C/MFM and the Regional Chief, CRS. 12.After every training, the Bumbero sa Barangay or training facilitators shall submit the Memorandum Re: OLP Mission Report to the C/MFM as basis for the issuance of certificates. The format of said report shall follow the approved ISO format BFP-QSF-FSID-003 Rev. (07.09.19) 13.All issued CCT and Membership ID should be uploaded in a database established by the DFSE supported by a QR code reflected in the Identification Cards. 14. Conduct of BSR trainings, the issuance of CCT and fabrication of Membership Identification Cards for CFAG shall be FREE OF CHARGE for the participants. 15, Operating and miscellaneous expenses in the administration of the BSR shall be provided for by the Regional Office as part of their regular budget programing. This includes expenses for the issuance of Identification Cards and CCT 16. However, for Company Fire Brigades, Fire Volunteers and Volunteer Organizations, training of BSR will not be free and subject to the following conditions: a. Only the Fire Drill Fee and Fire Safety Seminar Fees not exceeding Three Thousand Pesos (P3000.00) as provided for in Rule 12 of RA 9514 Revised IRR shall be collected from Fire Volunteers and Company Fire Brigades undergoing Training paid per instance or per training. b. Essential training expenses such as printing of training manuscripts, training paraphernalia, fuel to be used during demonstration and other materials ‘shail be shouldered by the requesting party. 17. BFP Officers or personnel who were found to be charging other that what is herein prescribed shall be subjected to Moto Propio investigation by the Regional Director. 2.2-A Technical Skills for Responders Training (TSR Training) POI Unlike the BSR wherein there is a prescribed program of instruction, the TSR does not because it adopts various training modules and programs from the BFP as well as other agencies that developed the same. The following are the initial recommended technical training Trainings that can be offered to the CFAG. ~_ TRAINING PROGRAM _ LEAD AGENCY 1. Medical First Responder Training Bureau of Fire Protection, a |Red Cross of the Philippines _ 2. Advance Firefighting Strategie Bureau of Fire Protection 3. Basic Rope Rescue Training (E[4 Incident Command System Trainings | Offi 5. Community First Responders Basic "Office of Civil Defense Training Training _ : cs aac 6. Traffic Control and Protocols with | Philippine National Police - HPG, | leaning to emergency traffic contro! Land Transportation Office, | Metro Manila Development | Bs Authority 2.2-B Training Administration of Technical Skills for Responders Training (BSR Training) Conduct of the TSR Training shall conform to the following regulations. 1 The conduct of TSR is RECOMMENDATORY. Meaning, the BFP’s role is simply to recommend such trainings and inform the CFAG, Company Fire Brigades and Fire Volunteers of its importance. The Bumbero sa Barangay shall encourage the these groups to give time to acquire such trainings. For trainings that can be offered by the BFP or those wherein the BFP have the expertise such as Rope Rescue, EMS and other training, administration of said trainings is subject to a fee of Two Thousand Pesos (P2000.00) per training collected under the label of Fire Prevention and Safety Seminar. Other essential training expenses such as printing of training manuscripts, training paraphernalia, food and other materials shall be shouldered by the requesting party. Certificates for said trainings shall be issued by the BFP facilitating the training duly signed by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal and the Provincial/District Fire Marshal. However, for trainings offered and administered by other agencies, the BFP shall only facilitate and assist in the conduct of said trainings. Organization of said trainings shall be taken charged by the group requesting such training with the assistance from the Bumbero sa Barangay. CFAG, Company Fire Brigades and Fire Volunteers may acquire multiple trainings depending on their needs and personal capability enhancements. Vil. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION OF TRAININGS, CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY, IDENTIFICATION CARD AND PRESCRIBED UNIFORMS FOR CFAG 1. Cer icate of Completion of Training (CCT) and Certificate of Competency (COC) A Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) shall be issued to CFAG and Company Fire Brigade members and a Certificate of Competency (COC) for Volunteer Fire Brigades who have undergone and completed the Basic Skill for Responders Training Training (BSR). The certificates shall follow the prescribed format provided for by BFP NHQ and shall contain the following: Page 7 of 12a. Certification of completion of conducted training from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal (both CCT and COC); b. The signature of the Provincial Fire Marshal (PFM) having jurisdiction (for CCT); c. The signature of the Regional Director having jurisdiction (for COC); and d. A control number registered to the local fire station who administered the training The control number shall follow the format, CFAG CCT-XXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX bo ‘Series Number | rate) ea | —— oe rr onguytco ey Abbreviations: CFAG for Community Fire Auxiliary Groups CFB for Company Fire Brigades VFB for Volunteer Fire Brigades CCTICOC STANDARD FORMAT || \ Material Specification: CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION OF TRAINING [| Sater SRE on) | Publication: Triplicate 4* Copy ~ Clear Onginal: Participant | 2 Copy ~ Draft Onginal: Issuing Fire | Station | 3 Copy - Digital/Soft Copy for Filing |of the OP/DPFM | Material: Book Paper 80-120 GSM 2. Membership Identification Card All CFAG, Company Fire Brigade members and Fire Volunteers with issued CCT or COC shall be issued with an identification card signifying formal membership to the same. The Identification Card to be deemed official shall bear the signature of the issuing authority of the CCT or COC having jurisdiction and control number of the issued CCTICOC. ee OOSThe ID card shall have the format: FRONT nooo he) MEMBER ——| tien by 1 inch Photo on | Whae Background = ———| ar code containing | Copy ot CCT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. PLEASE NOTIFY. JOSEFA B DELA CRUZ / WIFE / 0945-689-1123 Paredes St. Sto Anna, Manila Material Specification: Siz W 3.38 Inches: H 2.13 Inches PVC Card (Primary Option) Laminated Paper (Last Option) Variations of ID Front Side for Company Fire Brigade and Fire Volunteers:3. DATABASE FOR ALL ISSUED CCT AND ID CARDS The Regional Director thru the Regional Community Relations Section shall create a centralized database of all issued CCT for every year where the validity of the CCT can be verified at any given time. The Database shall be subject to the information required in the CCT and shall be maintained and secured pursuant to existing data privacy laws. 4. CFAG Uniform All CFAG members with issued Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and Membership Identification Card are authorized to wear uniforms bearing the name Bureau of Fire Protection-Community Fire Auxiliary Group or an acronym representation of BFP-CFAG at the back or front of their uniform. Design, color and or style may vary depending on the preference of the LGU as it will serve as their own pride and distinction Tactical uniforms, t-shirts or polo shirts may be used for the CFAG uniforms. Said uniforms should be worn during official gatherings such as drills, ceremonies or municipal, provincial or regional firefighting Olympics and other exercises. Vill. OTHER IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS In order to ensure orderly and smooth implementation of this policy the following guidelines should be observed. To wit Q | Page 10 of 12 1. The mandate to train CFAG, Fire Volunteers and Company Fire Brigades shall be given to the City/Municipal Fire Marshals subject to annual budget programing of the Regional Director. 2. Validity of the CCT, COC and Identification Cards shall be subject to the following conditions: ——_ Certificate of | Certificate of ‘ Organization | Completionof | Competency eon maga Training (CCT) (coc) Community Fire 1 | Auxiliary Groups | Three Years NA | Three Years | (CFAG) __ a i Company Fire Three Years or Brigades Until separated ‘One Year ‘One Year Waite company Fire Volunteers, Volunteer Three Years Three Years Three Years Organizations. 3. All COC's and Identification Cards to Company Fire Brigades, Fire Volunteers and Fire Volunteer Organizations issued prior to the issuance of this circular are hereby deemed valid until the condition set above counted from date of issuance.M) 4. There is no need to retrain CFAG, Company Fire Brigades, Fire Volunteers and Volunteer Organizations with valid CCT, COC and IDs. However, once expired, the subsequent trainings shall conform to the provisions of this circular. 5. Training of CFAG members can be done all throughout the year depending ‘on the agreed schedule with the barangay council or LGU's. 6. All trainings conducted shall be monitored by the OLP National Controller through submitted monthly reports by the Regional and Municipal OLP Controllers. 7. Both the Regional CRS and the OLP National Controller shall maintain a database of all trained and issued CCT CFAG, Fire Volunteers and Company Fire Brigades. Regular status reports shall be submitted to the Chief, BFP ATTN: Director, Directorate for Plans and Director, Directorate for Operations. 8. Proper documentation through pictures and video documentation should be made to support the conduct of said trainings. The videos should likewise be posted to the station's official Facebook accounts as part of the social media awareness campaign of the OLP. 9. Considering the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic, training via Online Seminar Platforms should be the primary mode of training Physical or face-to-face trainings are allowed provided that the barangay, city/municipality is not under strict quarantine protocols and should be permitted by the LGU. Adherence to existing public health protocols should be stringently observed IX. BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS All Regional Directors are herein directed to incorporate in their Annual Program Procurement and Management Plan (PPMP) the funding requirements for office supplies needed for the conduct and administration of trainings as well as the issuance of the CCT and Membership Identification Cards, The Director for Fire Safety and Enforcement, Director for Comptroliership and Director for Logistics BFP-NHQ are hereby likewise enjoined to facilitate the procurement of PVC ID Making Machines for every region. Said machines are vital equipment for the operation of the region and in the success of the program. X. MONITORING AND REPORTING All conducted trainings shall be duly monitored by both the Regional Headquarters and the National Headquarters through these monitoring and reporting procedures A. Regional Headquarters 1. The Regional Director, through the Chief, Regional Community Relations Section (RCRS) shall monitor all conducted trainings in the cities and municipalities in their AOR te OCs2. All units shall use the prescribed Training Monitoring Form to be issued by the National Headquarters in preparing the reports and must be consolidated in the provincial office and subsequently the regional headquarters. B. National Headquarters 14. The Director for Fire Safety and Enforcement, through the Chief, Fire Safety Information Division (FSID) shall monitor all conducted trainings in the cities and municipalities as submitted by the regional headquarters. 2. The DFSE through the FSID shall have the authority to conduct actual field monitoring in order to validate the conduct of trainings and shall recommend to the Chief, BFP recommendations relative to their ‘observations. Xl. REPEALING CLAUSE This memorandum circular effectively amends and repeal Memorandum Circular Number 2010-016 and 2010-017; and any other policies previously issued for the conduct of training and administration of training for fire volunteers, barangay and ‘company fire brigades. Xi. EFFECTIVITY This memorandum circular shall take effect immediately. LOUIE SURALTA PURACAN, CEO Vi yDIRECTOR Chief BFI ok ©0BS