VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Ilocos Sur called for community involvement in preventing fire incidents during the Fire Prevention Month launch on Mar. 5 at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol.
With the theme “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa” (In Fire Prevention: You Are Not Alone), the event raised public awareness on fire safety.
BFP Ilocos Sur fire marshal Senior Superintendent Ramel Borja urged residents to stay alert, especially during the dry season.
“I implore our fellow residents to continue listening to the BFP’s announcements in your barangays. By doing so, we can minimize fire incidents in our towns, especially with the current hot weather,” he said.
He also encouraged public participation in local fire station activities.
“We will be conducting roadshows, open houses like ‘Oplan Ligtas Pamayanan,’ and sharing important fire prevention and safety tips,” he added.
Borja expressed hope that residents would follow BFP’s advice to ensure the success of their efforts.
He also stressed that fire prevention should be a year-round effort, with the BFP planning to hold safety and rescue training in all municipalities, along with other activities to strengthen safety measures in communities.
The event included a fire truck shower display and a motorcade around Metro Vigan, showing the unity and commitment of fire stations in the first district of Ilocos Sur.
Various groups participated, including students from Divine Word College of Vigan and the University of Northern Philippines.
Government agencies also joined, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Ilocos Sur, Provincial and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (ISPPO), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Vigan City Health Office, Philippine Red Cross, and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Their presence underscored the shared responsibility of keeping communities safe. (CCMT/ATV/MB, PIA Ilocos Sur)
