BFP, DILG, and SM Prime Empower Communities with First Fire Volunteers Assembly

In a show of commitment to community safety, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) collaborated with SM Prime to host the inaugural Fire Volunteers Assembly at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30, 2024. The event aimed to recognize the dedication of fire volunteers and enhance cooperation among the BFP, barangay and company fire brigades, and volunteer organizations.

Fire trucks assemble at the SM Mall of Asia Globe for the 1st Fire Volunteers Assembly.

(L-R): Bureau of Fire Protection National Headquarters (BFP NHQ) Deputy Chief for Operations Fire Chief Superintendent (FCSUPT) Wilberto Rico Niel Kwan Tiu, BFP Fire Director (FDIR) Louie Puracan, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr., Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo, and SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio

The 1st Fire Volunteers Assembly brings together heroes: fire volunteers, brigades, and organizations, uniting to strengthen fire safety efforts.

The BFP further acknowledged the crucial role of fire volunteer association leaders by presenting them with tokens and plaques of appreciation. This ceremony not only honored the leaders individually but also aimed to inspire all fire volunteers and uplift the morale within the volunteer community as a whole.

A token and plaque of appreciation is presented to fire volunteer leaders.

The Fire Volunteers Assembly served as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Representatives from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine National Volunteer Services Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) offered valuable insights from their respective areas of expertise. These discussions fostered a collaborative environment among emergency responders, equipping them with essential knowledge and strategies to effectively fulfill their duties.

SM Prime reaffirms its commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through its partnership with the BFP. Established in 2019, this ongoing collaboration focuses on fire safety education, training for BFP personnel, strengthening fire brigade teams, and conducting nationwide fire drills at SM malls. This initiative promotes fire prevention as a critical component of a comprehensive DRR strategy.