LAMUT, Ifugao – The Bureau of Fire Protection-Cordillera Administrative Region (BFP-CAR) conducted the 4th Regional Fire Olympics on 21 October 2017 held at the Ifugao State University – Nayon Campus.
Fire Olympics is an institutionalized annual friendly competitive activity of the Fire Bureau to showcase the capabilities, swift response and readiness of firefighters in times of conflagration and other fortuitous events. Further, the activity is focused on building strong camaraderie and teamwork amongst local firefighters between each province to achieve one common goal – “to save lives and protect properties.”
Six provinces within the Cordilleras convened for the most coveted fire and rescue tournament as they battled for the regional supremacy which tested the stamina of each participating teams. Contingents were judged based on the amount of time consumed and strategy employed.
Fire personnel of Mountain Province exhibited its prowess and dexterity in completing the course and emerged as event winner on pump and roll turret target and blitz attack, 2nd Runner Up in hose on shoulder relay, ranked 5th on ladder raising and 4th on rescue carry relay. With its outstanding performance Mountain Province land on 2nd Runner Up on All events.
FO1 Julita W Cabfit of Bauko Fire Station adjudged 2nd Runner Up during her stint on the Regional Fire Olympics. Meanwhile, FO1 Jayhan C. Fillag of Paracelis Fire Staion bagged People’s Choice Award and Regional Fire Olympics 2017.
For this, Mountain Province snatched the Overall Champion in this year’s edition.
“Though lacked in preparation, the team relied on their physical stamina, mental toughness, perseverance, determination and teamwork. The teams’ main goal was to come to mingle with BFP counterparts of the different provinces and compete with no one but themselves and to learn as much as they can to improve public service.” said by Fire Chief Inspector Floyd T. Toyokan, Provincial Fire Marshal.
Simultaneously, the event also featured the Barangay Fire Brigade from different partner LGU, BFP’s reliable counterpart on the grassroots level. On these, it endeavors to further enhance their knowledge and skills, to keep them physically, mentally and psychologically ready to give assistance during unnecessary circumstances. Also, it envisions fortifying local partnership between the Fire Bureau and its stakeholder through the active involvement of the community.
“Events like this benefits the fire volunteers as they learn new skills and different techniques in fire suppression and control.” said by Toyokan.
This year, Paracelis Fire Brigade represented Mountain Province on the Barangay Category and excelled on the following events: 1st Runner Up in hose laying and replacement of busted hose, 2nd runner Up in flammable liquid fire extinguisher and out bested other competitors on the much contested bucket relay event, placing Mountain Province on 1st Runner Up in All Events.
Chingly Pan-oy meanwhile bagged Wit and was crowned 1st Runner Up Regional Fire Olympics.
Paracelis Fire Brigade was then declared Overall 2nd Runner Up. Kiangan Fire Brigade emerged as the Overall Champion followed by Kapangan Fire Brigade as 1st Runner Up.
“The outstanding performance of our contingents this year is a clear manifestation that our local partners are capable and always ready to assist during response of any untoward incidence, making them the community a disaster resilient.” said by FCINSP Toyokan.
Further the PFM expressed its gratitude to the Local Government of Paracelis under the leadership of Mayor Avelino Amangyen and through the efforts of Alice Dogwe, MDRRM Officer – Paracelis for its unwavering and continuous support to the programs and vision of the Fire Bureau.
Both BFP category and Barangay category have much improved from its last outing last year. BFP personnel will be ready with no pressure to defend the title while Paracelis Fire Brigade will come stronger and smarter on the next year’s tournament to be held in Abra.
By BONTOC FIRE