BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera office of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-CAR) underscored the importance of the community’s shared responsibility in fire prevention following the formal launching of the annual celebration of Fire Prevention Month.
The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iis.’
Fire Senior Superintendent Greg Bomowey, BFP-CAR Assistant Regional Director for Administration, stated that the fire prevention month activities serve as a reminder that fire safety is everybody’s concern and each one must take part in the celebration to be prepared in dealing with whatever situation that will transpire.
March marks the beginning of the dry season signifying the start of forest fire-prone months in the country. And from January to February 2024, the BFP recorded 70 forest fires at the least. While within the city, BFP Baguio reported around 21 fire incidents from January 2024 up-to-date, involving 8 grass fires and 4 forest fires. Following these fire incidents, the importance of community involvement for the success of BFP’s fire prevention activities was often emphasized.
FSSupt. Robert M. Pacis, BFP-CAR OIC Cordillera Regional Director, expressed his gratitude to everyone who extended their help to the BFP during the fire incidents, stating that the BFP cannot do it alone without everyone’s help. He then called out communities who are practicing the kaingin system and reiterated how this man-made activity can trigger forest fires during the El Niño phenomenon.
“Before we do that, we check the safety because the forest is hurting. Our forest is diminishing because of this activity. With the active participation of the government, the LGUs, and the civilians, fire safety is everybody’s concern, we have to act now”, he added.
Engr. Enrique Gascon Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) OIC Regional Director served as the guest of honor and speaker of the said program. He stated that this year’s theme resonates with the core values of DSWD, whereas, it underlines the crucial role of community involvement in fire prevention efforts.
“Fire prevention is not the sole responsibility of BFP, but the shared commitment that demands active participation from every sector of our society”, he said. He also conveyed his thanks to the BFP for helping the DSWD’s initiatives and for being ever ready to perform their duties.
While the region aims to reduce the occurrence of fire by 8% annually, Engr. Gascon stressed the importance of collective effort from each one in achieving this goal amidst the challenges caused by the recent fire incidents in the region.
“Our collaborative efforts exemplify the spirit of Cordillera’s the Binnadang. Reflecting our shared commitment in protecting every Cordilleran and preserving our environment”, he added.
Engr. Gascon also shared five key actions that are essential for effective fire disaster management through the acronym MARCH– Mitigation, Awareness, Response, Collaboration, and Humanitarian Aid. He further added that these key actions summarizes the fire disaster
management approach and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, community engagement, efficient response, and humanitarian support.
“Let us remember that our battle in preventing fires and an equal path for all is not only a mandate of our government but is also our goal as a region, because as long as there is a Bureau of Fire Protection, you are not alone”, Engineer Gascon quoted. By Peachy Clarisse L. Tillay
