CBCP backs fire prevention information campaign

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Permanent Committee on Public Affairs has expressed willingness to help in the fire prevention information campaign as the nation observes Fire Prevention Month and in consideration of the upsurge in the number of fire incidents particularly in Metro Manila.

According to Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP - Permanent Committee on Public Affairs and parish priest of the Nuestra Senora Del Perpetuo Socorro Parish in Sampaloc, Manila, fire prevention reminders may be included as part of the announcements made after every mass in all parishes.

“We need the cooperation of parish churches in helping out inform the public on fire safety reminders which may be given after the mass as part of parish announcements,” Secillano said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.

“The Church can help in disseminating information on fire prevention by giving out reminders after the mass, during pastoral council meetings, or in parish ministries,” Secillano said.

He stressed the need for fire safety reminders “to help the public become well informed on possible sources or causes of fire,” he added.

The Bureau of Fire Protection has recorded about 615 cases of fire from January to February this year with faulty electrical wiring as the primary cause.

Recently, a fire hit the Parola Compound in Manila, displacing thousands of families. The Quiapo Church has set up a feeding program for the victims while Caritas Manila has sent relief items.