BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar (PIA) – In celebration of National Women’s Month and the 4th Nationwide Fire Drill in High-Density Occupancies, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Eastern Samar held an all-women fire drill in a mall in Borongan City recently.
The activity, called “Women on Fire,” recognized the leadership, strength, and resilience of female firefighters in fire prevention, disaster response, and community safety.
According to Fire Chief Insp. Jimmy Corpin Pasague, provincial fire marshal of BFP Eastern Samar, the event was part of the nationwide simultaneous fire drill which aimed to highlight the critical role of women firefighters in emergency response.
“Isa ito sa mga programa namin na mai-promote, kung gaano ka-responsable ang women sa ating society,” Pasague stated. (This is one of our programs to promote how responsible women are in our society.)
He also shared that the drill simulated a fire emergency in a densely populated commercial establishment. Female firefighters took charge of the entire operation, from executing rescue protocols to containing the fire, while demonstrating their proficiency in handling fire hoses, extinguishers, and emergency evacuation procedures, even the firetruck drivers are female.
The drill also included a demonstration of first aid and basic life support techniques, reinforcing the importance of immediate medical response in fire incidents.
Pasague also emphasized BFP’s commitment to its advocacy, “Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan,” the agency’s flagship program that educates communities on fire prevention and safety measures. Under this initiative, fire drills and safety training are regularly conducted, especially in barangays with high population density and increased fire risks.
Aside from the fire drill, the Philippine National Police (PNP) organized an all-women checkpoint across Eastern Samar’s national highways, led by female police personnel from the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office and other police stations in various municipalities.
The initiative, held in support of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration, was participated by women police officers from various municipal stations, alongside female personnel from BFP, the PNP-Highway Patrol Group, and the 78th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Can-Avid Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Police Lieutenant Eula Marie Tagaduar, highlighted the significance of the initiative.
“Ang masasabi ko po, kung ano ang ginagawa ng lalaki, kaya din natin gawin kasi hindi tayo babae lang, babae tayo,” Tagaduar said. (What I can say is, what men do, we can do too because we are not just women, we are women.)
As part of this year’s campaign, BFP Eastern Samar has lined up several activities, including fire safety awareness programs in schools and barangays, community fire drills, and training sessions on the proper use of firefighting equipment. A Fire Square Road Show will also be launched, where children will be invited to learn about the duties of BFP personnel and fire prevention measures.
Other scheduled activities include coastal clean-ups, tree planting, blood donation drives, electrical fire safety webinars, and the much-anticipated Regional Fire Olympics, where representatives from various provinces will compete in firefighting challenges.
“These events aim to reinforce fire safety consciousness and highlight the critical role of both men and women in ensuring community preparedness against fire incidents,” Pasague added.
The observance of Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines began with Proclamation No. 115-A in 1966, signed by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, aiming to raise public awareness on fire safety. In 1986, Proclamation No. 360 officially designated March as Fire Prevention Month to emphasize the need for fire safety education and preparedness. (VTG/PIA E. Samar)
