BFP Held Eucharistic Celebration

Commemorating some important feasts in the Roman Catholic Church, the Bureau of Fire Protection National Headquarters held three consecutive Eucharistic Celebrations in the first week of the month of February.

On February 2, 2011, the bureau had a Holy Mass celebrated by its Chaplain, REV. FR. RANDY BALUSO honoring the Presentation of Jesus or Purification, or Candlemass Day. During the celebration, candles are blessed which will be used for the next day’s feast of St. Blasé. It is believed that a candle, especially if it’s lighted symbolizes divine splendor of the one who comes to expel “shadows” of evil.

The Holy Mass on February 3 was held in honor of St. Blasé, the Patron Saint of physicians and wild animals. Commemorated in St. Blasé’s feast is the traditional “Blessing of Throats”. St. Blasé was a philosopher and a physician in the 4th century who healed a little girl who was dying because of throat disease, and a young boy choking on a fish bone. He is often depicted with two candles, used by priests to bless throats.

On February 4, BFP celebrated the First Friday mass for this month. It was considered as the healing mass.

Said masses were also offered for the intentions of the officers and personnel of the BFP who joined the celebration, and to those who are in need of prayer and spiritual blessing and healing.

BFP continues to practice and support religious activities of the Catholic Church inside its organization to enrich the moral values and uphold the spiritual life of its personnel.-30- BFP

Turnover Ceremony of BFP Officers Held

A turn over ceremony of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) key officers was held on January 17, 2011 at the BFP National Headquarters Conference Room in Cubao, Quezon City. This is relative to the major revamp implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government thru Department Order 2011-34 dated January 14, 2011, wherein some key officers of the BFP, particularly those who are in the national and regional directorial positions, will be given new assignments.

During the event, BFP Chief DIR ROLANDO M BANDILLA JR awarded the Medalya ng Kasanayan to the BFP officers included in the revamp. He also administered the turnover ceremony to at least 20 concerned officials of the agency.

The reshuffle includes CSUPT NIMFA D CUARTEL who was relieved as the Deputy Chief for Administration and reassigned as Regional Director of Region 4A (CALABARZON). CSUPT SAMUEL R PEREZ, Regional Director of Region 12 replaced CSUPT CUARTEL. ARMM Regional Director SSUPT ALEJANDRO M CAGAMPANG is the new Regional Director of Region 12. SSUPT WARLITO P DAUS of CARAGA took over as ARMM Regional Director. The new CARAGA Regional Director is SSUPT ALOVEEL B FERRER of Region 7. SSUPT MARIA LUISA C HADJULA, Regional Director of R3 replaced SSUPT FERRER. CSUPT ARIEL A BARAYUGA of Region 4A is now the Regional Director of Region 3. Further, CSUPT VICTORIANO C REMEDIO is designated as the Director of the Directorate for Operations in the National Headquarters. His former position as Region 11 Director is assumed by SSUPT ELMER B ASUMBRADO of Region 8. SSUPT PABLITO D CORDETA of NCR is the new Regional Director of Region 8. NCR is now the new assignment of CSUPT SANTIAGO E LAGUNA who was the Director of Region 5. Provincial Fire Marshal of Camarines Norte, SSUPT IGMEDIO U BONDOC is Region 5’s new Regional Director. Also in the National Headquarters, CSUPT DANILO R BARADI is now the Director of the Directorate for Fire Safety and Prevention. CSUPT RODRIGO R ABRAZALDO is the Chief Directorial Staff. SSUPT LEONARDO O PRADES is the Director of the Directorate for Comptrollership. His former designation as Regional Director of Region 9 is assumed by SSUPT MARIO SOCORRO C TIMONERA.

Meanwhile, CSUPT JOSE D MAMARIL, Chief Directorial Staff, is assigned at the Office of the Fire Chief for a light duty status while waiting for his retirement.

Before the ceremony ends, the new Deputy Chief for Administration, CSUPT PEREZ and the new Regional Director of Region 5, SSUPT BONDOC expressed their gratitude in a short message, unveiled their plans and asked for support as they assumed their new responsibility.

According to DIR BANDILLA, the revamp in the BFP, just like in any government agency, will give new opportunities to other officials. BANDILLA is positive that this adjustment will motivate the BFP officers and personnel to be more focused in its mandate, to deliver efficiency in saving lives and properties against destructive fires.-30- BFP

BFP INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN AGAINST FIRECRACKERS AND OTHER PYROTECHNIC PRODUCTS

As the Yuletide season approaches, the Bureau of Fire Protection intensifies campaign against firecrackers and other pyrotechnic products to ensure public safety during the entire season. The campaign focuses primarily on the safety of the public especially the minors who tend to be the victims of pyrotechnic and firecracker accidents.

The BFP nationwide through its Regional, Provincial and City/Municipal Fire Stations will be monitoring places, streets and highways, particularly during the eves of Christmas and New Year to ensure that firecracker and pyrotechnic-related injuries and other untoward accidents will be prevented. BFP personnel are prepared anytime to assist/respond in case of emergency. The bureau will also be on heightened alert during the season and will detail personnel to render 24 hours duty to ensure fire-free holidays.

Meanwhile, the BFP encourages the public not to patronize christmas decors, firecrackers and other pyrotechnic products that are illegal or sub-standard that may cause harm. BFP also reminds the public of fire safety, especially for those who are planning to have their Christmas and New Year vacation outside home. Before leaving the house, always unplug electrical appliances; switch off the main source of power; do not leave lighted candles, lamps or cigarettes; close LPG valve; and secure flammable/combustible substances in a safe area. If possible, ask your neighbor or nearby friend/ relative to check your house from time to time.

By means of continuous public cooperation, the BFP hopes for zero firecracker-related injuries, and a minimal number of fire incidents at the end of this year and through the coming year.-30- BFP

BFP TO COMMEMORATE 37TH FIRE SERVICE RECOGNITION DAY

      The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is now preparing for the commemoration of the 37th Fire Service Recognition Day on December 15, 2010 to be held at the Quezon City Sports Club in E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City. This is an annual event of the BFP to pay homage to the ten firefighters who lost their lives in Rockwell Power Plant fire incident which happened almost four decades ago (December 14, 1973) by giving awards and commendations to deserving firefighters.

      For this year, eight (8) firefighters will be given due recognition in showing exemplary in the performance of their duties.These are the heroes of the BFP who have undoubtedly accorded their devotion and selfless efforts to the community. The awardees are the following: SUPT JAIME D RAMIREZ of BFP-Region 9 will be awarded the Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod (Degree of Maginoo); FO1 Ardin Cyren T Tuante of BFP-Region 6 - Medalya ng Kadakilaan; FO3 Baby Boy C Esquivel, FO3 Danilo H Reyes, FO1 Rex Lopez, FO1 Gilbert J Vivar, all from BFP-Region 3 and CSUPT CARLITO S ROMERO of the National Headquarters will be given the Medalya ng Kagalingan; and FO1 Ronald Q Magno of BFP-CARAGA will be receiving Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting.

      The awarding will be conducted on December 15 through a short program. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo will grace the occasion as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, and BFP Chief, Dir. ROLANDO M BANDILLA, JR., CESO IV will present the BFP Milestones.

      Realizing its purpose, Fire Service Recognition uplifts the morale of every firefighter thus, motivates them in giving better and quality service to the public. It also serves as a tool to distinguish the worthy contributions of each and everyfirefighter in the community, not just in fire suppression but also in emergency and rescue operations. Further, it inspires every act of hard work and courage which show dedication in sacrificing their safety to save others’ lives and properties.-30- BFP

BFP RECOGNIZES THE LATE FO3 Armando Bose

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is in grief for losing another personnel, FO3 Armando B Bose who was gunned down last November 4, 2010 at Barangay Bangkal, Makati City after his tour of duty at West Tower Condominium where oil leak from pipes is still leaking for more than three months now. According to reports, while on his way to Palanan Fire Station, an unidentified person instantly shot FO3 Bose twice after refusing to use his motorcycle as get-away vehicle. He was rushed to the Makati Acute Care Center but unfortunately, he was declared dead by his attending physician.

In his 24 years in service, FO3 Bose had shown dedication and righteously performed his role as a public servant and fire safety advocate. He had risk his life by responding to the call of duty, putting out fires to save lives and properties.

The BFP has given FO3 Bose the “MedalyangKadakilaan” in recognition of his bravery during the incident. The bureau is now processing the death benefits for his bereaved family. The special financial assistance which is equivalent to his 6 month-salary has already been given that very night of which the incident happened.-30- BFP

BFP CONDUCTS BASIC JOURNALISM SEMINAR

Realizing its dream of producing a competent manpower, the Bureau of Fire Protection, particularly its Public Information Services office, headed by CINSP HONEE FRITZ A ALAGANO, will conduct a seminar on Basic Journalism on November 5, 2010 at the BFP-NHQ conference room in Quezon City.
The seminar will focus primarily on news writing and photo journalism. At least 40 participants who are public information officers, drafters and photographers from different BFP regional offices are invited to join the activity. The lecture on news writing will be given by Mr. Chando P. Morallos who is a known author and a journalist. Atty. Jamael Jacob will be giving points and workshop on photo journalism.
BFP believes that this seminar will make a difference in the promotion of its personnel’s welfare specifically in career advancement. This will help in leveling up writers of the bureau to be more effective in information dissemination. Considering that BFP is one of the government agencies concerning public safety, massive and effective information dissemination should be given priority. Journalism is one way of reaching out to the community to encourage groups and individuals to be part of the bureau’s mandate in saving lives and properties. Further, knowledge on basic journalism will somehow improve the skills of firefighters in dealing with write-ups and some documentaries. Through this, a more focus and systematic campaign on fire prevention and fire safety programs can easily be carried out to the public.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection will continue to create and organize trainings and seminars to improve its manpower thus, advancing the quality of its service and achieving the realization of a modern agency.-30- BFP