PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) –The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded an increase of 76 fire incidents in Puerto Princesa City in 2024 from 56 in 2023, which was attributed to climate change, increasing population, and lack of discipline.
SFO1 Eugene Paul Manuel of BFP Puerto Princesa City Fire Station said that the bureau recorded cases involving residential, non-residential, non-structural, and transport properties, resulting in losses of about P120 million.
The largest amount was in the first quarter with P110 million. The major case in the city occurred in February, affecting two barangays, namely Bagong Silang and Pagkakaisa, with more than 200 houses damaged by fire.
“Kapabayaan talaga (ang pinakarason) kasi nandoon na ang lahat ng binigay natin na campaign. Simula January hanggang ngayon, all throughout Palawan—mismong pamayanan pinupuntahanan na namin and yet meron pa rin, kapabayaan, kakulangan ng disiplina,” he said.
Manuel also observed that this year’s record surpassed the city’s pre-pandemic cases.
The bureau added that the El Niño phenomenon also became a factor in grass fires in Palawan, resulting in an average of 10 cases of grass fire in a day in a town.
“Isa na rin reason ay hindi natin maiwasan ang padami ng population natin. Dumarami na ang population, dumarami na ang mga pamamahay kaya kailangan na dumami rin kami,” said SFO4 Alex Calangi of BFP Palawan Provincial Station.
The bureau admits the need to increase its manpower to manage the increasing population in the city and province.
To strengthen its presence in communities, BFP continuously involves children through its Kiddie Fire Marshal initiative to provide them with the needed information to prevent fire, particularly at home. It also taps the mothers to strengthen their alertness when a fire occurs and immediately leave their areas.
“Sila ang may curiosity sa bahay na maglaro ng mga pinagbabawal na flammable substance—wala ‘yong mga magulang, nasa labas na sila kaya tinatarget namin ang mga bata, sa mga eskwelahan,” Calangi added. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
