SNAP-Benguet, NPC give communities fire response training
IN recent years, the frequency of forest fires has posed a significant threat to rural communities. Exacerbated by dry conditions, these fires could spread rapidly, and rural communities were susceptible to such incidents.
To help address this issue and increase the Bokod and Itogon communities’ awareness of the threat of forest fires, SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) — in partnership with the National Power Corp. (NPC) — conducted a 3-day training on Forest Fire Response and First Aid and Basic Life Support from Feb. 14 to 16, 2024.
The training exercises with simulations were facilitated by experienced resource persons from the Bureau of Fire, NPC-Upper Agno Watershed Area Team (UARWAT), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources for residents of Itogon and Bokod, which were host municipalities of SNAP-Benguet’s Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants.
Over the course of 3 days, subject matter experts spoke about the devastating impact of forest fires and led practical training sessions to equip participants with the necessary skills to respond effectively, including basic first-aid training.
UARWAT Watershed Management chief Forester Benjamin Kimmayong stressed the importance of adopting an Incident Command System (ICS) and Quick Response Team (QRT) to manage and suppress forest fires.
ICS and QRT are stipulated in the Community-Based Forest Fire Protection and Management Plan in the Upper Agno Watershed.
Kimmayong said part of forest fire management included the development of a forest fire incident database and a common operational map, incorporating locations of fire lines and natural fuel breaks.