Fire Senior Inspector Richard Visitacion, acting city fire marshal of Kidapawan, expressed his gratitude to the city government and the communities for their support of the conduct of the Fire Square Roadshow in the city during the observance of Fire Prevention Month. Visitacion also emphasized the importance of public support to promote safety awareness and prevention in Kidapawan. (Photo courtesy of BFP-Kidapawan City)
KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has intensified its information and education on fire safety and prevention to enhance the fire resilience of communities in Cotabato province.
Fire Senior Inspector Richard Visitacion, acting city fire marshal, explained that it is important for people to understand fire resilience, which simply means the ability to adapt and mitigate future losses by managing risks based on experiences.
He conveyed that they opted to massively reinforce people’s life-saving skills to empower them with essential fire safety skills and prevention by conducting a “Fire Square Roadshow” at Gaisano Mall.
“The activity serves as an [opportunity for people] to step out of their comfort zones and embrace adventure in a safe and controlled environment,” he said, explaining that people who would like to put on their “tactical uniform” and try rappelling are welcome as BFP personnel will teach and guide them properly.
Visitacion said the roadshow is an “educational demonstration” to teach and increase the knowledge of people in the communities about fire safety and how to save themselves in the event of a fire.
In observance of Fire Prevention Month, the Bureau of Fire Protection conducted trainings and drills that are beneficial in times of fire incidents. One of these was the community fire auxiliary group training that promotes resilience against fire emergencies. Recently, personnel of the Kidapawan City Fire Station implemented the training in Barangay Magsaysay, where residents actively participated in the practical application of firefighting methods. (Photo courtesy of BFP-Kidapawan City)
The conduct of the roadshow is one of the highlights of this year’s Fire Prevention Month, which also intends to give not just the adults but also the youth the chance to experience the “adrenaline rush” in firefighting activities, particularly rappelling.
Aside from the usual fire drills, the BFP also offers various lectures and trainings to improve participants' skills and knowledge.
The training includes basic life-saving support, community fire auxiliary, basic rappelling, search and rescue, and many others, which BFP shares with the public for the whole duration of the observance until the end of March.
The training sessions not only provide practical experience but also serve as an opportunity for participants to familiarize themselves with emergency protocols and gain confidence in their ability to handle emergencies, said Visitacion.
He further noted that the training they imparted will empower people to respond and engage effectively in times of crisis in the event that they are unlikely to be called to serve as first responders in their homes or communities.
Visitacion also emphasized that BFP's priorities during a response are not only to save people’s lives and properties, but also that firefighters must ensure that their lives are safe and protected from any imminent danger.
The official highlighted “the pivotal role of active community participation and unity” in confronting fire-related incidents and challenges and forging a stronger, safer, and more resilient community.
BFP Kidapawan City showcased their tools and equipment, including their tactical uniform, during emergencies. They also provided practical experience to both adults and young children, allowing them to don their uniforms as well as teaching them the techniques of using ropes in rappelling. (Photo courtesy of BFP-Kidapawan City)
Meanwhile, Jimmy Sta. Cruz, a father and a resident of Kidapawan City, once brought his children to see and experience firsthand the firefighting tools and equipment that are usually showcased in the BFP’s roadshow.
Sta. Cruz relayed how he expressed awe upon seeing the BFP’s firefighting tools and equipment they use in drills and in responding to fire emergencies, in addition to their skills.
According to him, he brought his children to make them appreciate the skills of firefighters and, most importantly, their responsibilities, which he described as “not that easy and safe” as they could endanger their lives responding to a massive fire incident.
“This also gives our children the opportunity to familiarize themselves with some of the BFP skills and the different firefighting tools and equipment that they use in times of fire incidents,” he added, commending firefighters for their dedication to saving lives and for being selfless and brave.
Sta. Cruz also reiterated the importance of fire drills to fuel the readiness of the community in case of a fire.
“Fire drills should not be taken for granted because they can save our lives by making us alert and prepared during fire incidents,” he told the Philippine Information Agency. (SJDM - PIA Cotabato City)
