VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) -- Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of various municipalities of Catanduanes conducted various activities in celebration of the Fire Prevention Month from March 01-31, 2022,

According to Supt. Glenn R. Rodrigueza, Provincial Fire Director, this year’s theme: “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa!,” aims to encourage everyone to take part in preventing fire and not only in responding to fire.

In Virac, the month-long event kicked-off with a mass at Virac Cathedral. Insp. Marlon R. Vargas, Acting Municipal Fire Marshal, also said that they also conducted Open House where visitors are welcomed in Virac Fire Station. On March 10, FO2 Jorge D. De Leon of Virac Fire Station (VFS) conducted lecture to the Catanduanes State University Students on how to stop fire accidents and the equipment and methods through which firefighters quench fire.

BFP San Miguel also marked the start of the celebration with a color fun run and Zumba at San Miguel Municipal grounds and blessing of its fire truck.

On March 26, BFP Pandan Fire Station duty personnel, spearheaded by SFO3 Ronald L Moral Officer-In-Charge, Municipal Fire Marshal facilitated the 1st BFP Pandan Fire Olympics 2022 at Jose O Vera Park, Libod, Pandan. Catanduanes.

Participating teams from 4 different barangays were challenged on the basics of responding to fire through the following games: Bucket Relay, Hose Throw, Victim Bandaging and also Fire Fighting skills.

San Andres Fire Station also conducted a one-day Fire Disaster Prevention, Management & Response Training for the First Responders of various barangays on March 04. During the activity, participants were educated and trained on fire prevention procedures, basic life-saving and survival skills.

In Bato, an Art Contest which includes poster making, essay writing and digital arts making was held on March 08. The activity is part of the 1st BFP Community Relation Week focusing on strengthening the BFPS’s relation with the community through various community.

Formulation of Community Fire Protection Plan (CFPP) based on three main principles of fire prevention which are hazard evaluation, hazard elimination, and tactical defense was given focus by BFP Viga. The activity has the aim of developing community ownership of the plans and easy familiarization of all actions, individual roles and routines that it requires.

Other municipal fire stations conducted similar activities in their respective areas of jurisdictions. (EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)