The first fire safety program for school children in the Philippines was launched in Marikina City, ahead of Fire Prevention Month in March.
The pioneering partnership on the conduct of fire safety roadshows for children was stipulated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 24, 2020, signed between the Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region (BFP-NCR), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Marikina City Government.
Marikina City is the first local government unit to forge a partnership with the BFP-NCR fr a fire safety program for school children.
“This is the first time in Metro Manila, and in the whole country to ink an MOU with the BFP. I am hoping that with this initiative, it will be showcased and become a model in the country. This is what we can achieve when we come together and work hand in hand,” Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said.
The Fire Square Road ShowFire Square Road Show is the frontline program of the BFP designed to impart awareness among children on Fire Prevention Education and Emergency Response.
The city chief praised the tireless efforts of BFP-NCR in promoting fire prevention awareness among children, the ones who are most vulnerable in fire incidents.
“The Fire Square Road Show serves as our vehicle to disseminate to the entire community the importance of fire safety. It is vital to educate our children on what to do in case there is fire, and how to prevent fire incidents. The young people are the most vulnerable to disasters and fire incidents because they cannot think clearly. This is why they are already charred when they are found by firemen,” he said.
“Today, the Special Rescue Unit (SRU) of BFP Marikina was formally activated at Marikina City Hall. During the said event, BFP NCR gave BFP Marikina its own Rescue truck to supplement the needs of the newly activated SRU. The LGU of Marikina led by its Mayor Hon. Marcelino R Teodoro turned over the Rescue equipment of Rescue 161 to BFP Marikina.
“CSUPT WILBERTO RICO NEIL A KWAN TIU, RD acknowledged the dangers of natural and man-made disasters and aimed for the full activation of SRU teams in every city/municipality of the region,” BFP-NCR posted on Facebook.
Marikina City also provided rescue equipment to BFP-Marikina such as hydraulic tools which are vital in the rescue operations of the newly activated unit of the local bureau.
To help control the spread of fires, the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu developed a FireCheck hazard mapping to Lapu Lapu City firemen to prevent the uncontrolled spread of fires, especially in high-density communities.
Dep-Ed has also adopted a digital safety program for schoolchildren with the help of Globe Telecom’s Digital Thumbprint Program.
To further prevent Filipino children’s exposure from lead-containing paints, local manufacturers have been directed to phase-out lead-containing paints used in school buildings and school buses.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to Marikina City school children and the agencies collaborating to keep our children safe from fire!
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