SM and BFP renew Memorandum of Agreement

L-R seated: Engr. Bien C. Mateo, Steven T. Tan, CSUPT Jesus P. Fernandez, CSUPT Manuel M. Manuel
Standing: Al J. Alabe, Atty. Pearl J. Turley, Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SSUPT Manuel G. Golino, CSUPT Nahum B. Tarroza, CSUPT Rodolfo P. Denaga

THE BUREAU of Fire Protection (BFP) and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. renewed their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 13, 2023 as partners in fire safety awareness. Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls and CSUPT Jesus P. Fernandez, BFP’s acting deputy chief for administration signed the MOA.

Present in the MOA signing in the BFP National Headquarters in Quezon City were SM executives, District and City Fire Marshals of Metro Manila and several uniformed and non-uniform personnel of the BFP.

In his speech, CSUPT Fernandez conveyed to SM the BFP’s appreciation for its support. He emphasized that the partnership brought opportunities and created new platforms to create awareness and disseminate information about fire safety and prevention. “This partnership comes at the right time where the BFP is transforming into modern institution and in our quest for excellence we need partners that will support our campaigns and help us provide high quality service to the public”. He further emphasized to SM Management “we also look forward for the continuation of our joint efforts in building fire safety and resilient communities across the country.”

SSUPT Manuel G. Golino, director for Fire Safety Enforcement of BFP delivered the welcome remarks while CSUPT Jesus Fernandez and Mr. Steven Tan delivered messages on behalf of the BFP and SM, respectively. A video compilation of all major programs undertaken by the BFP and SM was shown during the program.

For his part, Steven Tan addressing the leadership of the BFP and its personnel, said: “With 82 malls, and an average of 3 malls being opened every year, you are assured that SM is your No. 1 private sector supporter.” He thanked the thousands of men and women of the BFP, for their dedication in saving lives and properties. In closing Mr. Tan, stated: “We are proud to join hands with you as we all continue to work on disaster risk reduction towards a more resilient Philippines.”

The Public – Private Partnership (PPP) of SM and BFP was formalized in 2019 and since then has resulted to various programs staged in different SM Supermalls nationwide. In 2022 alone, a total of more than 26,000 SM employees, agency personnel and tenants participated in the trainings conducted by the BFP on Tenant Fire Safety, Fire Brigade trainings, and other Knowledge series. In March 2023 and in celebration of the fire month, SM hosted the BFP Fire Olympics in SM Seaside Cebu and both organizations conducted a nationwide simultaneous fire drill in all SM malls.

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