CDRRMO, BFP told: Conduct more training for brgy responders

The Cebu City Council has called on the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to conduct more training for barangay responders as well as in communities vulnerable to fire.

Councilor Joel Garganera, in a privilege speech, made the call following multiple fire incidents recorded in the city. The records of BFP-7 show that there were 314 fire incidents in Cebu City last year.

The figure was significantly high compared to the 241 fire incidents recorded in 2022. Garganera also cited recent incidents wherein two fire alarms broke out in Cebu City in just one night.

It happened in Barangay Carreta wherein almost 400 individuals were affected and in Barangay Basak Pardo where 420 individuals had been left homeless. The two fire incidents happened 30 minutes apart.

On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the fire brigades and volunteers also had their hands full with eight fire alarms within 12 hours.

“This was caused by faulty electrical wirings and burning of garbage, etcetera. The latter by the way is illegal under Republic Act 9003,” said Garganera.

He said that a continued awareness and education campaign on fire prevention is necessary and should be done not only during the observance of Fire Prevention Month.

According to Garganera, it is high time that the public will not wait for March to observe fire prevention but rather practice it daily.

He said this is very important considering that the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasted a humid weather within the next three months.

“And for the next three months, there will be drought,” said Garganera.

In line with this, Garganera emphasized that fire prevention must be observed daily. He further reminded the public to be cautious at all times, especially in making sure that appliances, gadgets, and other electronic appliances are unplugged when not use.

He also encouraged the public to honor the responders who put their lives at risk to help save lives and properties.

Further, Garganera highlighted that as fire prevention is everybody’s job, he urged the CDRRMO and BFP to continue conducting training among the barangaybased responders as well as the community around fire-vulnerable areas.

“And with emphasis on schools,” he added.

He also requested the CDRRMO and BFP to release materials online or in any form of communication to raise awareness of fire prevention as well as fire safety reminders. -