2011 Fire Prevention Month Started

03 March 2011

March 1, 2011 marks the beginning of the observance of the Fire Prevention Month nationwide. This is an annual event administered by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) participated by local government units, firefighting agencies, schools, and other institutions. As the primary agency for the celebration, BFP held its 2011 Fire Prevention Month Kick-Off Ceremony at the UP Diliman – Bahay Alumni in Quezon City with the theme, “Kahandaan sa Sunog, tungo sa Kaunlaran.”

Fire is believed to be one of the causes that hinders economic progress due to life and property loss. This year’s theme aims to give the public massive information and awareness to battle against fire and sustain the economic gain of the country. 

Part of the Kick-Off Ceremony was the MOA signing between the Bureau of fire Protection and the Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. for the program “BFP – Shell Fire Prevention Initiative”. The event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, together with DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order RICO E PUNO witnessed the signing of Shell Vice-President for Communications BOBBY KANAPI and BFP Chief DIRECTOR ROLANDO M BANDILLA JR. The project includes massive and tri-media campaign.

In his short message, Sec. Robredo stressed out some major challenges that the BFP should do to prove its efficiency as the sole government agency mandated to save lives and properties from destructive fires. He said that the bureau needs to advance its communication system for its campaigns to reach the public and the concerned government and private agencies in different areas of the country. He also pointed out that fire safety inspections should be strictly implemented.

At present, BFP lacks manpower and firefighting equipment. Robredo challenged the bureau that despite these insufficiencies, it can still provide a better public service through dedicated and trustworthy management and personnel. 

As finale, Sec. Robredo showed his stunts as how it is to be a firefighter by doing actual fire suppression.

For the whole month of March, leaflets, posters, brochures will be distributed in different areas. There will be fire safety inspections, hydrant testing, fire drills, caravans and Barangay Ugnayan. Same activities will also be conducted in regions, provinces and municipalities. 

On March 31, a Culminating Ceremony will be held at the BFP National Headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City. The Hon. Vice-President Jejomar S. Binay is expected to be the Guest of Honor and Speaker.//