BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) seeks to strengthen the Community Fire Auxiliary Groups (CFAG) in every barangay.
 
Formulated through the Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan, the CFAG is composed of barangay officials led by the punong barangay with community volunteers as members. Their main responsibilities are to respond to fire incidents as BFP responding teams are in transit, and to promote community safety through activities guided by the BFP.
 
SFO2 Leo Mendoza of BFP Cordillera emphasized the importance of CFAG as the first responders, not just in times of fire, but in any disasters or emergencies.

Mendoza shared that they have been conducting trainings to strengthen the CFAGs, but not all barangays in the region have established the said group.
 
Under the BFP Modernization Program, they aim to gradually establish and train CFAGs in every barangay.
 
“Sa buong Cordillera, naka-maximum ng 2-3 barangays [ang may CFAG trainings] in every fire station. Unti-untiin natin na lahat ng barangay ay magkaroon ng CIFAG training,” Mendoza said.
 
He emphasized  that the CFAG’s role is very crucial in safeguarding the communities from fire and emergencies, and training the members is essential.

He added that  they are also conducting lectures and trainings for the community members to ensure fire safety. They also aim to enhance their forest firefighting skills and upgrade their equipment.

Mendoza also expressed gratitude to the barangay officials and community volunteers for being the first responders to the recent forest fires in the region. He likewise thanked the Civil Defense Cordillera, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other members of the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for always supporting the BFP.
 
With the increase in the number of forest fire incidents in Cordillera, the BFP is again appealing to the public to cooperate, and help in protecting the communities from fire.
 
Based on the BFP data, there were already 113 forest fires in the Cordillera from January 1 to March 15, 2024, most of which were recorded in Benguet and Mountain Province. With an estimated damaged area of 3,353.5 hectares, most of the causes of the forest fires are slash-and-burn, burning of vegetation clearing, rubbish fire, and irresponsible throwing of cigarette butt. (JDP/DEG-PIA CA