BFP-7 tells publc: Observe fire prevention daily

CEBU, Philippines — Fire prevention should not only be remembered in the month of March but should be observed every day was the call of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) during the opening of the Fire Prevention Month yesterday.

The BFP opened the annual celebration with a funwalk, a motorcade of firetrucks and other events.

Based on the BFP-7 data, the year 2020 only had 918 fires in the entire Central Visayas; 907 fire incidents in 2021.  It increased, however, in 2022 with 974.

The BFP-7 explained that the fire incidents increased last year because of the relaxation of the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many business establishments have opened and there were many people who have contributed to the number of fires.

The top 3 causes of fire incidents are electrical ignition due to bent wires, loose connection, and open flame through the use of LPG, gas stove or wood.

"Most of these nahitabo atong fire alarm sa single and family dwellings. Almost 70 percent ani nga mga sunog nahitabo sa atong panimalay nga ang hinungdan is kitchen fire, electrical misuse," said Sr. Supt. Rogelio Bongabong, BFP-7 Officer-in-Charge.

Chief Supt. Jesus Fernandez, BFP Deputy Chief for Administration, who was an invited guest at the BFP-7 event yesterday, said all sectors are their partners in their campaign against fire.

"Kelangan natin ipaalam sa community yung mga tips para makaiwas sa sunog at the same time ito kasi yung start ng summer season, so kelangan din natin paalalahanan yung ating community para at least makita nila ang trabaho ng BFP ay na-integrate sa kanilang mga pamumuhay," said Fernandez.

Fernandez added that the BFP modernization program had allocated funds to purchase new equipment and firetrucks that they can use in their operations.

"Yung modernization law kasi would be our basis for the proposals. Without the legal basis, hindi kasi aaksyunan yan nung mga line agencies for the increase in budget and also the approval from the National Economic Development Authority," he added.

Meanwhile, Acting Cebu City Vice Mayor Nestor Archival is looking into institutionalizing the training and accreditation of electricians in the barangays to help prevent fires, at the same time prevent overcharging residents of professional fees.

Archival, an electrical engineer himself, hopes to institutionalize electricians in the barangay by formally filing an ordinance.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros, who also took up electrical engineering at the University of Cebu but decided to focus on his being a professional basketball player before entering into politics, is expected to support Archival’s proposal.

“The best gyud unta ana, kada sitio adunay usa (ka electrician). Mao nay akong i-present na ideal,” Archival said.

Once interested individuals in the barangays are identified, they will undergo training with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Kanang mga electricians na ma-train na, matawag siya sa barangay. Pwede pud siya makakita ug trabaho,” added Archival.

Once electricians in the barangays will already be established, Archival is also looking into its accreditation with Visayan Electric.

“The moment nga ma-institutionalize na na nga naa nay mga barangay electricians, ma-train na na sila as VECO-accredited,” Archival said.

These accredited barangay electricians are also essential in power restoration in case of calamities, man-made or natural.

Archival also hope such a move will help the poor from getting overcharged by electricians who take advantage of their situation.

“Daghang mga pobre magpa-install ug electrical (wirings), unya mahal kaayong pangayo ang mga electricians diha,” said Archival. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, GAN (FREEMAN)