Isuzu PH delivers first batch of fire trucks for BFP modernization program

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of brand-new trucks for 20 consecutive years, turned over the initial 74 units of firetrucks to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

In a formal ceremony held on Feb. 11 at the grounds of Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, BFP officers led by Chief Jose Embang Jr. led the presentation of the brand-new fire trucks to President Duterte, as part of the government’s Fire Prevention Modernization Program.

In his speech, Duterte said, “I hope that with these fire trucks, the BFP will be more capable and effective in ensuring the safety of our community and industry. I am confident that with the BFP’s leadership, we can further boost people’s confidence in their government and create an environment where our people can live and work in peace.”

Present during the event, were IPC’s president Hajime Koso and Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan (IML) GM Koichi Ito to personally deliver the units. “IPC, and the Isuzu brand in general, has always been on a mission to contribute to the society by providing the most durable, reliable trucks—may it be for building bridges, airports, and this time in protecting the community against fire. With the recent country situation, we feel that these trucks may be in the right timing, as BFP now more than ever needs to continue to protect and serve the country against fire and other calamities,” Koso said.

Ito, who flew in from Japan to witness the proceedings, remarked: “Isuzu has always been supportive of providing the best vehicles to the society.”

The initial 74 Isuzu fire trucks are part of the 250 units in total of brand-new trucks that the BFP procured and will be distributed to different regions nationwide; which will fully support the government’s Fire Protection Modernization Program which aims to hire more firefighters, provide intensive trainings, and acquire modern fire truck and equipment to upkeep their operations.

SSUPT Jerry Candido, BFP Director for Logistics, expressed pride in the bureau’s acquisition of brand-new units, “Basically, there are three main components we look for in a fire truck; its platform engine and chassis, water tank, and fire pump. When we saw that the engine and chassis brand of this truck was Isuzu, our first comment was “Wow, that’s a quality truck!”

The first batch of delivery includes, 54 units of Isuzu FVR34 trucks with body and equipment built by Hanseo, which is a 16-ton truck that has a capacity to carry 1,000 gallons (3,785 liters) perfect for medium- to heavy-operations, powered by the 6HK1TCL engine that can produce up to 237hp maximum power and 706 Nm maximum torque.

While the remaining 20 units of Isuzu CYZ52 trucks, were installed with body and equipment by Nanomedics, that can carry a total 9,464 liters, powered by 6WG1TCN direct injection common rail engine that can deliver maximum 414hp of power, maximum torque of 1,863 Nm, and is EURO V compliant.

As the number truck brand in country, IPC gave assurance that the BFP will have full support wherever the trucks may be deployed in the country. Present in 43 locations nationwide, IPC offers excellent after sales support and guaranteed parts availability.

IPC also extends its service via its “Mobile Medic” that provides complete service that the company dispatches for PMS, rescue or repowering services specially to far-flung areas.

For more information about Isuzu trucks log on to www.isuzuphil.com.