The celebration of Fire Prevention Month in Mabalacat was capped by two significant events – a fire Olympics and an outreach activity to Aeta communities.
Fire Senior Inspector Joshua Ayson, acting city fire marshal, said that the Barangay Fire Olympics 2024 was participated in by five barangays where Dau captured the top prize. It bested Barangays Madapdap, Tabun, Sapang Biabas and Mabiga.
Dau is one of the largest and most progressive barangays in Central Luzon and is known to have its strength in fire fighting capabilities. The barangay is backed by volunteer fire brigades that was organized by Councilor Timothy Dee.
In getting the overall champion trophy, Barangay Dau won major drills such as flammable liquid fire extinguishment, hose laying and replacement of busted hose. It also won the bucket relay, a traditional method still used especially in cramped and narrow streets. Barangay Mabiga and Barangay Madapdap came in 1st and 2nd runner up, respectively.
“We are thankful for the participation and cooperation of our leaders in the City as well as in the barangay areas. We witnessed a strong partnership and camaraderie which are key elements in battling disasters like fire incidents,” Ayson said.
For his part, Dee said that the event does not focus alone on which is the best barangay among the participants but it is also as an opportunity to gain more knowledge and skill in fighting fire.
“Hopefully more barangays will participate to make them more knowledgeable and competent. Events like this bring firefighters and barangay personnel together to make big impact in our community,” Dee said.
At Sitio Calapi where hundreds of Aeta families live, this city’s fire department organized a community outreach in cooperation with Icon-11 Rotary Club and Councilor Timothy Dee. It held medical mission, tree planting and distributed food packs under its feeding program.
“On top of responding to city’s emergencies like fire, we are also mindful of the condition of our indigenous peoples whose settlements may not be easy to reach,” Ayson said.
