BAGUIO CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection in the region reiterates to the public to always prioritize fire safety in their respective homes to ensure the safety of their families and properties.
This is the primary message of Fire Prevention Month advocacy that adopts the theme, “Buhay at Ari-arian ay Pahalagahan. Ibayong Pag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa Sariling Pamamahay Simulan,” said BFP – Cordillera Regional Director SSupt. Maria Sofia Mendoza.
Fire volunteers and citizens’ support as force multipliers play a vital role in fire prevention and response, but public awareness on always prioritizing or practicing fire safety in every home is equally important, Mendoza stressed.
BFP – CAR data recorded a total of 233 structural fires, mostly residential and 219 non – structural fires (forest, grass and rubbish fires) from January of 2016 up to February of this year with an estimated damage of over P106 million.
She assured that BFP Cordillera is always ready to respond to any fire emergency with its 585 firefighters, 67 fire trucks and 58 fire stations regionwide.
Mendoza spearheaded the giving of recognition to partners in fire safety and prevention advocacy at SM City Baguio last March 28. Philex Mining Corporation and Ifugao Governor Pedro Mayam- o led the awardees that included individuals and media partners, both from the government and private sector.
Winners in the Fire Prevention Month contests (essay writing, photo, poster and drawing contest) and those BFP –CAR personnel who excelled in the recent 3rd National Fire Olympics were also recognized.
BFP – CAR culminated the observance of Fire Prevention Month with the kapihan media forum at the Baguio Fire Department last Wednesday. Mendoza was joined by the provincial fire marshall and other BFP – CAR departments heads in giving updates on fire prevention and safety across Cordillera. /D. Andrada & K. Caranto-PIA CAR/SLU Interns#
