In anticipation of Fire Prevention Month 2025, the Maasin City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) conducted an informative seminar on March 19, 2025, at Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC). The event aimed to educate students and faculty on fire safety and prevention, aligning with the BFP's vision of a fire-safe nation by 2034.

The seminar, attended by NSTP students and faculty, featured a comprehensive program that included the singing of the national anthem, SLSU hymn, a prayer, and welcome remarks from the Campus Director, Dr. Frederick C. Aniga, who emphasized the importance of fire safety awareness.

The BFP team, comprised of FO3 Jonnel Belotindos, FO3 Leoneil Sandoval, FO3 Eva Sandoval, FO2 Renel Aroy, and FO1 Honey Grace Navarrosa, led the educational sessions, along with the BFP Criminology interns from Saint Joseph College, and immersion students from The College of Maasin. FO3 Sandoval, the City Fire Marshal, delved into the science of fire, explaining the combustion process and the essential elements of fire– heat, fuel, and oxygen. Sandoval stressed the importance of understanding these elements to effectively extinguish fires. She also highlighted the significance of identifying the fire exits in the area in case of fire scenarios.  She introduced the "S.A.F.E.T.Y." measures on what to do in case there are devastating fire emergencies: Sound the alarm, Activate the fire brigade, Fight the fire, Evacuate, Tell others, and You. She also highlighted the importance of prioritizing assets during a fire, with the fire extinguisher being the most crucial.

FO1 Navarrosa focused on the common misconceptions surrounding fire safety, coining the acronym "P.A.N.I.C." to represent People Are Not Informed Correctly, and proceeded on identifying the parts of a fire extinguisher. She then provided a detailed demonstration on ho to use it, where the "T.P.A.S.S." method was used: Twist the pin, Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep from side to side. She also discussed the different classifications of fires that includes: A (anything that turns to ashes), B (boiling substances like gasoline, oil, alcohol, and grease), C (current or electrical equipment, appliances, or wirings), D ('Ding Things' or combustible metals) and K (kitchen fire such as cooking oils or fats in cooking appliances).

The seminar also addressed practical fire safety measures, including the importance of regular house cleaning, proper storage of flammable materials, and safe cooking practices. The BFP warned against common fire hazards such as overloading electrical outlets and improper disposal of cigarette butts.

Following the informative sessions, the seminar transitioned into practical demonstrations at the quadrangle, where students and faculty members participated in a demonstration of the blanketing method– showcasing how to smother small fires using a fire blanket. The effective use of a fire extinguisher was also demonstrated, reinforcing the "T.P.A.S.S." method, and the highlight of the demonstration was the use of the fire truck's water hose, where BFP Criminology interns, under the guidance of the fire marshal, demonstrated the proper techniques for extinguishing larger fires.

The event concluded with the awarding of certificates of recognition to the guest speakers by Dr. Lucia Estella Grace A. Abaa, NSTP Coordinator, and NSTP 2 advisors, Maria Dulce Gonzales (BSSW 1) and Lyca Siarot (BPA 1), in acknowledgment of the BFP team's valuable contribution to the campus' fire safety awareness. The BFP encourages everyone to adopt a culture of fire safety and be vigilant in preventing fires. "Safety First" remains the guiding principle in creating a fire-safe Maasin City and a fire-safe nation.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY!

Emergency Hotline Numbers:

Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8:

 • 09062467995 (Globe)

 • 09198457175 (Smart)

Maasin City Fire Station

 • 09075989255

 • 09273349802

 • 09368245704

FB Page: 

Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8

Maasin City Fire Station Southern Leyte

(via Sophia Marie T. Calatrava| Pulse)