PPA strengthens fire protection and rescue capabilities through the deployment of Emergency Response Vehicles to ports nationwide.
16 SEPTEMBER 2026 — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is strengthening fire safety and emergency response capabilities in its ports through the deployment of dedicated Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) to selected Port Management Offices (PMOs) and Terminal Management Offices (TMOs) nationwide.
"In an emergency, every minute matters. These emergency response vehicles give our port personnel another important layer of protection and response capability. We want our ports to be prepared to act immediately while coordinating with the proper emergency response agencies," said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago.
Each ERV is equipped with a 2,000-liter water tank, 100-liter foam tank, and a pump control system that allows easier operation while providing continuous monitoring of the vehicle's systems. The vehicles are designed to support fire suppression, rescue operations, and other emergency response activities within port premises. The ERVs will be deployed to TMO Matnog, PMO Batangas, PMO Mindoro, PMO NCR-South, PMO NCR-North, PMO Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro, PMO Davao, PMO Zamboanga, PMO Surigao, PMO MarQuez, TMO Iloilo, PMO Bohol, PMO General Santos, PMO Bataan/Aurora, and the Port of Currimao.
Currently, the PPA facilities incorporate fire safety systems such as fire alarms and other protective equipment, while individual port management offices also undertake preventive maintenance and emergency drills to strengthen preparedness and response. Some PMOs already have established fire-rescue resources, including rescue boats and other emergency equipment. The additional vehicles will further enhance their existing capabilities, while providing offices with limited resources a dedicated asset that can be immediately mobilized during emergencies.
With dedicated emergency response vehicles positioned in strategic ports across the country, PPA is further enhancing its capacity to respond to fire-related incidents and other emergencies and help ensure safer port operations for everyone.
###