Pagadian City – “Fire is preventable as long as we are aware and we have the knowledge on how to prevent it. As part of the community, we are all responsible in terms of fire” – F/SSUPT RENATO BADONG MARCIAL, BFP R9 Regional Director.
The BFP Region 9 observes its 56th Fire Prevention Month today in a ceremony at Plaza Luz, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur with the theme “Sa Pag Iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag Iisa”. It is an annual observance of fire safety and prevention pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 115-A signed by then-President Ferdinand Marcos in 1967. Historically, the number of fire incidents during the summer season increases due to weather and the activities of the public. Thus, today marks another chapter of the BFP in community fire safety initiatives through the issuance of BFP Memorandum Circular No. 2022-023 institutionalizing the observance of Fire Prevention Month through a set of activities that centers community-based fire safety interventions.
The BFP Region 9 Fire Prevention Month Kick-off Ceremony, held today, was organized by the BFP personnel assigned in the Regional Office IX, Office of the Provincial Fire Marshal, Zamboanga del Sur, and Pagadian City Fire Station. There were also invited guests from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional and Provincial Office, Provincial and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Local Government Operations Office (CLGOO), other offices of the local government, and fire safety-related institutions like fire volunteers. The event started with a holy mass and was highlighted by a motorcade of fire trucks of BFP contingents. The program also showcased the different BFP uniforms for awareness and familiarization of the public to BFP, as F/Director Louie Suralta Puracan, CEO VI, the Chief of the BFP, emphasized on his message that BFP personnel are encouraged to be more visible to the community and initiate programs that will make the public feel safe and secured.
With active participation and a helping hand from BFP Region 9 and the ZamPen community, and vice versa, everyone can definitely say “Sa pag iwas sa sunog, hindi ka nag iisa.” (Maysy Cataquiz)
(Source: Bureau of Fire Protection Region 9 PIO)