BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in this city is ramping up its efforts for Fire Prevention Month.
Led by City Fire Marshal, Superintendent Melanie Hebawel, a series of events designed to boost community awareness and promote fire safety are on the agenda.
The activities will kick off on March 1 with a motorcade, featuring separate routes for big and small fire trucks, to symbolize the united effort in fire prevention.
The event aims to gather stakeholders and partners across various sectors.
Following the motorcade, a mass will be held at the BFP grounds to unite the community in support of fire safety, accompanied by a countrywide five-minute horn-blowing event to signal the collective call for fire awareness and readiness.
The subsequent days, March 2 and 3, will see the Kiddie Fire Roadshow at a local mall, where children can engage in firefighter simulations, wearing gear and learning fire safety techniques.
Throughout the month, BFP-Iloilo City will conduct fire drills in barangays and schools to ensure residents are well-equipped to respond to fire emergencies.
Awareness campaigns will also be launched across barangay levels and on social media platforms to extend the reach of fire safety education.
Adding a creative twist to the campaign, the BFP will host competitions such as drawing and photography contests, as well as a binalaybay composo, to engage the community in artistic expressions of fire prevention commitment.
A notable addition this year is a beauty pageant focusing on advocacy and the involvement of elderly adults in fire safety awareness.
Environmental conservation efforts like coastal clean-ups and tree planting initiatives will also be part of the month’s activities, underscoring the link between environmental health and fire prevention.
Superintendent Hebawel emphasizes the importance of preventative measures and community engagement in creating a fire-safe environment for everyone in Iloilo City. Through a comprehensive array of programs and activities, she said BFP aims to cultivate a culture of fire safety and preparedness, empowering individuals and communities to take preemptive actions to prevent fires and protect lives and properties./PN
