Operational capability, Natural Disasters, disaster training, institutional support, Leadership 

The research study assessed the operational capability of the Bureau of Fire Protection Benguet-Baguio in response to natural disasters in terms of training; resources; leadership and institutional support; and local support. It identified the problems that the personnel encountered and proposed a BFP Disaster Response Action Plan to enhance its operational capability. Because the BFP plays a very important role as rescuers during natural disasters, improving its operational capability provides increased safety and security to all Filipinos. The study used the Qualitative Method using interview and focus group discussions at the fire stations of Benguet and Baguio. General findings of the research study showed that BFP personnel lack specialized disaster specific trainings for natural disaster response. The fire stations lack needed resources necessary for effective emergency response, namely rescue equipment, emergency transport vehicles, and communication equipment. The leadership of BFP Benguet-Baguio is encouraging and well-acknowledged by the personnel. There is no memorandum of agreement between the BFP and local support groups. Training is very important in providing BFP personnel with the skills and preparation needed to respond to disasters. The BFP’s operating capabilities is limited by inadequate resources. Leadership and institutional support are very important since they control procurement, logistical support and personnel staffing decisions. The recommendations of the study is for the BFP, in order to fully perform its mandate of saving lives in times of natural disasters, the personnel’s trainings, allocation of resources, leadership and institutional support, and local support group should be strengthened.