Isuzu continues to fuel BFP Modernization Program in PH

MANILA: On February 11, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) delivered 74 firetrucks to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), part of the thrust of the government’s Fire Prevention Modernization Program in a ceremony that transpired at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo. Present at the event were President Rodrigo Duterte, IPC president Hajime Koso and Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan (IML) general manager Koichi Ito, BFP chief Jose Embang Jr., and other officers. 

"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," said Duterte at the event.

Moreover, Japan (IML) general manager Koichi went on to state that "Isuzu has always been supportive of providing the best vehicles to society. Especially in Japan, there are numerous private and government trucks produced by Isuzu such as fire trucks and high-performance ambulances, which have also been of great help in the recent virus prevention. We are happy that BFP has put in their confidence in our brand, and we promise to never let them down. We will provide the bureau with not just high-quality products but comprehensive customer service as well."

Added Koso: "IPC, and the Isuzu brand in general, has always been on a mission to contribute to 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—the big fire in the metro, ashfall and cleaning operations in CALABARZON and of course the upcoming Fire Prevention Month, 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."

The BFP has secured a total of 250 trucks, and the recently delivered 74 units form the first batch only. As the BFP keeps receiving more units, the fire trucks will then be distributed to different regions across the country. Part of the first batch were 54 units of Isuzu FVR34 truck, a 16-ton truck with 1,000-gallon carrying capacity. Also, the truck features body and equipment by Hanseo. Powering the Isuzu FVR34 is a 6HK1TCL engine capable of generating 237hp of maximum power and a peak torque of 706Nm. The other 20 units are comprised of the Isuzu CYZ52 trucks which flaunt a 2,500-gallons capacity and get body and equipment by Nanomedics. The Isuzu CYZ52 is powered by a 6WG1TCN direct-injection common rail engine that packs 414hp of maximum power and peak torque of 1,863 Nm.

"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!,'" said SSupt Jerry Candido, BFP director for logistics.

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