by Von Henzley Consigna

In observance of this year’s Fire Prevention Month, the Los Baños Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs (OVCCA) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) teamed up in conducting a seminar on fire safety last March 9, 2018.

The fire safety seminar, which started 9 am was organized by the Business Affairs Office (BAO) under OVCCA, in coordination with BFP, was held in the University’s Hostel at the Obdulia F. Sison Hall (formerly Continuing Education Center). CINSP Robert Bana-ag and FO1 Ricardo Culvera, Jr. of BFP served as the resource persons for the seminar. The firefighters conducted a demonstration on the proper use of a fire extinguisher.

CINSP Robert Bana-ag of Los Baños Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) discusses fire safety to members of the University Police Force (UPF) and BAO staff members. (Photo by Von Consigna)

In attendance are about 50 officers and staff from BAO and members of the University Police Force. According to Engr. Joseph Pagtananan, Pollution Control Officer of OVCCA, the activity is part of UPLB’s efforts to promote fire safety awareness, and says that awareness and knowledge begins with the staff members of their offices, and encourages students to partake in these activities. Fire safety and prevention is part of National Service and Training Program (NSTP), which students are required to take.

“Sana ‘wag namang mangyari dito, pero kung mangyari man, tulad nung nakaraan sa UP Diliman, dapat handa tayo”, Engr. Pagtananan adds. The seminar also serves as the University’s participation during the Fire Prevention Month, assigned to March as per Proclamation No. 115-A. This year, BFP’s theme is “Ligtas na Pilipinas ang Ating Hangad, Pag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa Sarili Ipatupad.” The bureau already began its array of activities (stories on BFP’s activities found here).

Another fire safety seminar will be conducted at the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) on March 26, also in partnership with BFP.