PROMOTING A VAW-FREE SOCIETY

Abuse is prevalent in our society because of its paternal structure, male / father being the head of the family, women are most likely the victims. The act comes in many forms, mental, physical, financial etc.
In 2012 as reported by Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), there are total of 15,969 cases of violence on women. Among the top 3 are abuse husbands or live-in partners, physical injuries, and rape.
BFP Piddig headed by SFO3 Edison M Reyes joins PNP and other agencies in the conduct of 18-day campaign to help end the violence against women. In conducting lectures/seminar on laws on the protection of children and women, drug symposium and disaster preparedness to the Punong Barangay and secretaries of the municipality.

BFP PIDDIG FRONTRUNNERS

What started out as a physical routine to stay physically and mentally fit have turned into a sport. Joining different running events organized various organizations and other groups of professional runners in Ilocos Norte.
For the year 2012 and 2013,, SFO3 Edison M Reyes, FO3 Grayson D Austria, FO1 Jannsen Paul C Agra and FO1 Jonathan Marcus B Salvador, the runners of BFP Piddig, have participated different running events like Immukki Trail Run 25km at Batac City; 10km and 21km Million Volunteer Run for the purpose of fund raising for the bloodletting activity and Run-a-Wheek for the PWD beneficiaries, both organized by the PNRC-Laoag City Chapter; Salun-at Run 10km for the needy patients of MMMH&MC; Warrior run 16km (Takbo para sa Edukasyon); the 1st and 2nd Hardcore Marathon 42km; also the 80km Ultra Marathon S2N (Ilocos Sur to Ilocos Norte) which aims in promoting clean air as a support to the anti-pollution program Ilocos Norte and it aims to promote tourist spots, heritage site and legacies of the Ilocos Region; The 2nd Ilocos Challenge 50km Ultra Marathon, the 42km Laoag Marathon, the Fitness Run Trilogy 21km Half Marathon, which were organized by the Bad Circle Runners and Team Kimat Runners.
Other running events participated were 65km Ultra Marathon “The Battle of Bessang Pass, the Tiger’s Last Growl” which followed the route from Candon City to Cervantes, Ilocos Sur and the 50km Ultra Marathon which aimed in promoting tourism and anti-air pollution program and were organized by the Tarayem Runners group.
As an attestation to benefits of running, SFO3 Reyes and FO3 Austria, who were once suffered from medical problems like diabetes and arthritis are now demonstrating a very great improvement on their health, with no recurrent signs and symptoms of joint pain caused by arthritis, no elevation of blood pressure (BP) and no signs of hyperclycemia and hypoglycaemia brought about by unstable sugar (glucose) level in the blood (Diabetes Type II. Which led to improved self-esteem to the highest leel and most of all, health status through running, enjoying life with a healthy and fit body.

INDUCTION OF OFFICERS OF BFP IN RETIREES/PENSIONERS ASSOCIATION

24 October 2013, 4 o’clock in the afternoon at Johnson Function Hal, Laoag City held the induction of officers of an association organized by the retirees and pensioners of BFP Ilocos Norte.
Active BFP personnel headed by SINSP JOSEPH A ICUPIT, Acting Provincial Fire Marshal BFP joined the program to witness the swearing-in of officers who once served and offered their lives to save the lives of others.
SINSP ICUSPIT averred that BFP Ilocos Norte entrusts the officers the duty to look into the welfare of the association they lead. He also added that BFP members, who are still in the active service, will always be willing to lend a hand for the good of the organization.
SSUPT ALOVEEL B FERRER,DPA, Regional Director, BFP R1, the Guest of Honor and Speaker/ Inducting Officer, shared his superb ideas and philosophies during the program. Before he ends his message, he congratulated BFP Ilocos Norte for it is the only province in Region 1 who has this kind of organization.
As other programs, it was indeed exciting as the retirees/pensioners and other particifpants rendered their surprise numbers to entertain the attendees.
The program ends with an open forum with the Regional Director. A lavish dinner commenced the program.

TURN OVER OF FIRETRUCK TO BFP DINGRAS

The Local Government of Dingras, Ilocos Norte headed by Hon. Erdio Valenzuela, Municipal Mayor has once again showed his undying support to the BFP by donating another fir truck to its local fire station, for use in times of emergencies.

The turnover of said firetruck was held at the Municipal Hall, Dingras, Ilocos Norte on 18 1400H July 2013. Hon Erdio Valenzuela led the turnover of the said firetruck to BFP Dingras headed by INSP ARNEL B RATUITA, Municipal Fire Marshal, in the presence of members of BFP PHQ Ilocos Norte headed by SINSP JOSEPH A ICUSPIT, APFM and other fire Marshals of the Province.

Mayor Valenzuela averred that the additional firetruck enhances the quality of service that the Dingras Fire Station provides especially during fire calls and other calamities.

BFP Ilocos Norte headed by SINSP JOSEPH A ICUSPIT, APFM together with INSP ARNEL B RATUITA are very much thankful to the unending support and lauded the Local Government of Dingras for being responsive to all necessities of BFP. It is noted that recently, said LGU prioritized the renovation of Dingras FS and turned over a Honda Wave motorcycle.

Meanwhile, the APFM of this province also assigned two (2) BFP personnel namely FO1 FreshnelMatute and FO1 Christian Butac in addition to the 5 members of said station unit.

This endeavor by LGU Dingras strengthens the capacity of its local fire station to institutionalize measures for reducing catastrophe risk, and enhancing preparedness and response capabilities at all levels.

article by:  FO1 Frances Diana C Pascua BFP

BFP PASUQUIN ACCOMPLISHES LECTURES ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Laginghanda! – The motto of the Boy Scout of the Philippines. It depicts the readiness of the youth to serve, train as responsible leaders contribute ion nation building. A maxim that is identical to the Bureau of Fire Protection’s battle cry; to protect and serve. Hence, the BFP Bacarra personnel successfully conducted information drive on disaster preparedness during the joint BSP and GSP Jamboree on November 8, 2013. The event was held at Dademan Elementary School municipality of Pasuquin.

With the active leadership of Municipal Fire Marshal, INSP REYNALDO M DOMINGO, all personnel were able to discuss topics to include first-aid training, knot tying and drill. The activity was undertaken efficiently and the BFP organization left a positive impact to the scouts, teachers and the parents as well.

article by: FO1 Joseph Alvin P Garo

BFP BACARRA PUSHES ACTIVITIES IN OBSERVANCE OF DISASTER CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH

As part of the observance of the National Consciousness Month, last July, the Liga ng mga Barangay officials headed by the puno ng Barangay of the 43 barangays and Bacarra Central Elementary School invited the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bacarra to conduct an orientation on fire/earthquake safety and preparedness in their premises.

BFP Bacarra headed by the OIC MFM, SFO2 Villamor M Domingo, hence conducted the orientation last 16 & 17 July 2013.

The said information and education campaign were conducted members of the Liga ng mga Barangay and Central Elementary School as part of the awareness drive of frontline agencies and reaching out to the youth who are vulnerable during disasters.

Fire Marshal Domingo said, “Teaching the young ones on disaster preparedness and increasing their capabilities to respond to disaster is a sound principle that could greatly affect how they face emergencies or disasters in the community. It may redound to the benefit of increasing their family’s awareness in times of emergencies.

article by: FO1 Januario Jaemie R Buted

Members of BFP Ilocos Norte joins Run/ Walk for Typhoon Yolanda Survivors

Run/ Walk for Typhoon Yolanda Survivors,a fund raising event of government and non government organization, was organized by Local Government of Laoag City. It is the first step to rolling-out a project to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda, rebuild their lives devastated by the said typhoon.

Members of BFP PHQ Ilocos Norte and BFP Piddigjoined the run. The three and five kilometers Run/ Walk for a Cause around the vicinity of Laoag City was held Sunday, 25 November 2013 at 6 o’clock in the morning.

Around 200 compassionate runners participatedthe said event. As donation, runners gave a minimum amount of P50.00 and some gave in-kinds. A total of more or less Php 19,000.00 and 6 boxes of in-kinds were raised.

article by: FO1 Frances Diana C Pascua

SAFETY DURING THE NEW YEAR

The BFP, through its campaign ‘OplanPaalala,’ and ‘OplanIwas Paputok,’ is encouraging the public to be extra careful in setting off fire crackers. The Bureau of Fire Protection Bacarra Personnel headed by the OIC/ Municipal Fire Marshal SFO2 Villamor Domingo conducted Fire safety Inspection in different establishments within the area of responsibility as a support for the activity. The Bureau made this inspection to make sure that the establishments abide by the rule of the Fire Code of the Philippines and to protect the public from fire related incidents.

According to SFO2 Domingo, “Homeowners are advised to shut their doors and windows during the New Year revelries to keep out stray firecrackers. It is also advisable to have electricians regularly check on a house’s electrical wiring. Poorly maintained LPG tanks are also potential triggers of fires. In case of fire, the public should immediately notify the nearest fire station. Also, people in the neighborhood should try to put out the fire while waiting for the fire trucks to arrive.”

Likewise, the Municipal Fire Marshal and Fire Safety Inspector of Bacarra Fire Station conducted fire safety inspection to all establishments selling Pyrotechnics.

Photo and article by:By: BFP Bacarra Personnel

Delivering EMS to the People of Piddig

By: FO2 Anna Liza L Tomas

The municipality of Piddig, Ilocos Norte, with the leadership of Honorable Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen, launched a 24/7 Quick Response Team, the “Piddig Cares Center”, last May 28, 2013.

Piddig Cares, is a critical health care facility which aims to assist individuals in crisis situation who need immediate medical attention due to illness or accidents and serves as an effective mechanism in the eventuality of disasters and natural calamities. It is envisioned to protect, safeguard and promote the safety and well-being of Piddigueños in crisis situations as well as those in need of emergency medical attention and intervention through the prudent use of local government resources with the purpose of delivering quality and prompt service to the community.

The facility, which is open 24 hours a day at 7 days a week, is presently being manned by personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection Piddig headed by SFO3 Edison M Reyes, Office of the Municipal Mayor, and Volunteers.

This program is in parallel to one of the mandates of the Bureau of Fire Protection which is to provide emergency medical and rescue services to the community.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE ANTI-RED TAPE ACT (ARTA) OF 2007

By: FO1 Frances Diana C Pascua

Republic Act No. 9458 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 was enacted to improve efficiency in the delivery of government service to the public by reducing bureaucratic red tape and preventing graft and corruption.

Bureau of Fire Protection Ilocos Norte adheres with this Act as it serves as a reminder of duties and responsibilities as government employees/civil servants.

Under this law, all government offices including Fire Stations are required to put “No Noon Break” posters to render continuous frontline services even during lunch time.

Moreover, a service standard/pledge that communicates information on the services provided by the concerned government agency to the public, also known as the Citizen’s Charter was placed conspicuously in the fire station premises. It describes the step-by step procedure for availing a particular service.

BFP Ilocos Norte as a form of public assistance, the ARTA encourages government offices to have information and grievance desks where an officer knowledgeable on their frontline services offered shall be available for consultation and advice. The desk shall be attended to at all times even during office breaks including lunch period. Hence, the BFP Ilocos Norte designates personnel on duty to serve as Public Assistance and Complaints Officer.

Aside from that, BFP offices and stations have established basic facilities to ensure the availability of comfortable waiting areas, and comfort rooms to ensure the public for an a comfortable and stable delivery of service.