Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar reminded the public to stay vigilant amid the fire season and beyond.
“We always have to keep in mind the safety of ourselves and our families to prevent any untoward incident like fires. We have to follow general safety precautions and preventive measures to avoid fires and become better prepared,” said Villar.
Villar said there is an increased risk of fires especially because fire incidents potentially increase during March, designated as the Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines, and since people are staying at home with increased use of appliances and gadgets.
Recently, the Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) Foundation held an online seminar for firefighters, volunteers and residents as part of continuing efforts to promote awareness on fire safety and prevention and to strengthen people’s preparedness.
Villar took the opportunity to thank the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Las Piñas for their indispensable role in the community.
“Napakahalaga ng role ng BFP. Tumutulong kayo sa ating mga komunidad hindi lang kapag may sunog. Kinokonsidera din natin kayong frontliner. Nagpapasalamat kami sa inyo at alam namin kung gaano ka-importante ang inyong sakripisyo to protect our community even better,” the lawmaker added.
Rep. Villar, Sen. Cynthia Villar, fire volunteers and officials of 20 barangays joined the event via Zoom while Las Piñas Fire Director Christopher Angot and BFP-Las Piñas officers were present at the SIPAG Center.
Las Piñas, meanwhile, saw a 22.6% decline in fire incidents in 2020, registering 89 incidents compared with 115 in 2019.
Currently, there are seven fire stations around Las Piñas manned by 137 uniformed personnel and fire aid. The local government plans to increase its capacity to 10 fully operational fire stations by yearend to improve its capacity to respond in case of emergency.
The project, in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways, is made possible thru the efforts of both lawmakers.
This year’s fire prevention campaign, “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,” serves as a stark reminder of how authorities are engaging in massive information dissemination about fire safety and willing to help in emergency situations amid the pandemic.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 115-A, the month of March was declared as “Fire Prevention Month” because of the increase of fire incidents during the start of the summer season. ###
