Agencies sign fire safety pact in Region 8

TACLOBAN CITY, March 6 (PNA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Region 8 here signed a covenant on Monday with 32 government offices and non-government organizations to ensure fire safety in the region as part of the nationwide Fire Prevention Month celebration.

Among the signatories for a "fire-safe" Region 8 were the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the office of Leyte 1st District Rep. Yedda Romualdez, the Leyte provincial government, the Tacloban city government, Philippine National Police, and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, Civil Service Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Red Cross, and other organizations also signed the covenant.

During the signing at the city’s Remedios Trinidad Romualdez plaza here, Tacloban City Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin lauded the fire fighters for their service during emergencies.

"As we gather here, we resolve to protect ourselves, our families, and our villages from fires. We honor the courageous first responders-- the fire fighters from the BFP and the volunteer fire brigades - who put their lives on the line to keep Tacloban City safe. Because of their bravery, discipline and professionalism, they are heroes in every sense,” he said.

This year’s Fire Prevention Month celebration is themed “Buhay at Ari-arian ay Pahalagahan, Ibayong Pag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa Sariling Pamayanan Simulan.” 

The slogan supports the advocacy of the government towards progressive communities through fire safety awareness campaigns and active involvement of the public to avert fire incidents. (PNA)
LAP/BS/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR