ANTIPOLO CITY (PIA) – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Rizal spearheaded the Rizaleño Bumbero Expo 2024 in a bid to raise awareness and promote preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of fires in the communities.

Held on March 15 as part of Fire Prevention Month, the expo provided participants with an opportunity for a hands-on lesson on using various fire safety and rescue equipment, witness live firefighting and medical demonstrations, and gather valuable tips to protect themselves and their communities. 

FSupt. Jobie Angot, provincial fire marshal of BFP Rizal, highlights the importance of involving the communities in fire safety techniques of the bureau.

Angot stated, "Given that we are currently in Fire Prevention Month and El Niño persists, it is crucial for us to communicate fire safety precautions to the community and all Rizaleños. The expo serves as a platform for disseminating this information effectively.”

Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares graced the occasion and stressed the importance of publicly delivering fire safety initiatives. 

She emphasized the impact of conserving the environment to avoid unwanted fires and stressed the need for community involvement to enhance firefighting preparedness. 

“What we do to nature, and if we don't take care of it, its consequences come back to us. That's why I believe it is crucial for us to take care of our environment…This program provides us with an opportunity to learn and prevent fires. Let's be mindful of the factors that may cause fires, and I believe that's exactly what they're doing in this roadshow,” said Ynares.

For John Michael Lico, a 3rd year criminology student at Our Lady of Fatima University - Antipolo and expo attendee, such activity plays a definitive role in expanding the knowledge of young people and students like himself.

“Attending this event for the first time was both enjoyable and enlightening for me. The demonstrations in the booths showcased the work of the BFP and how they carry it out, providing valuable insights into fire prevention techniques. This activity served as a significant learning opportunity for us to understand how to prevent fires effectively,” Lico expressed.

The event marked the culmination of the five-day leg of provincial roadshows conducted by BFP in all provinces of CALABARZON. The roadshow demonstrated that fire prevention is not only limited to a single month but is a continuous commitment of the bureau in fostering a sense of collaboration and collective responsibility of the communities for the safety and well-being of their families. (MBL/PIA – Rizal)