Cebu tri-cities kick off Fire Prevention Month

CEBU, Philippines — The tri-cities in Cebu officially stand with the nation in the month-long observance of Fire Prevention Month through a simultaneous kick-off ceremony.

In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival led the kick-off, where he called on the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to help the city maintain cleanliness and conserve water amid growing concerns over garbage disposal.

The ceremony was held at the Cebu City Fire Station in Barangay Pahina Central, bearing the theme “Sa Pag-Iwas ng Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa.”

Also present were representatives from the Cebu City Police Office, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, fire volunteers from different barangays, and other BFP personnel in the region.

Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City also joined the nationwide kick-off, which highlights a unified push to strengthen public awareness of fire safety and emergency preparedness as the country enters the dry season.

In Lapu-Lapu City, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 7 – Lapu-Lapu City Fire District, in partnership with the city government, launched the month-long observance at the Lapu-Lapu City Fire District Station in Barangay Gun-ob. This year’s celebration carried the theme, “Hangad Nating Lahat, Pamayanang Handa, Aktibo at Masagana.”

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan expressed her strong support for the nationwide observance, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility in fire prevention.

Congressman Junard “Ahong” Chan attended the ceremony on behalf of Mayor King-Chan and reaffirmed the city government’s continued support for uniformed services, particularly in advancing public safety and disaster preparedness.

The kick-off aimed to promote fire safety consciousness and emergency response readiness amid the increased risk of fire incidents during the summer months.

They likewise conducted a motorcade that passed through key areas of the city to raise awareness and disseminate fire prevention information, including to mainland barangays.

Fire District Superintendent Arnel Abella welcomed participants and presented an overview of Fire Prevention Month, emphasizing effective communication and operations as core commitments of firefighters to the Oponganons.

Abella emphasized that safety begins at home, stressing vigilance and preparedness at the household level.

Congressman Chan, in his message, emphasized the critical role of the BFP during emergencies and disasters, noting that public safety and order remain the foundation of sustainable progress.

The event also featured the signing of a Pledge of Commitment and a ceremonial hose connection between the BFP and the city government, symbolizing their strong partnership in advancing fire safety advocacy.

Meanwhile, in Mandaue City, the local fire station marked its participation in the nationwide observance with a highway parade involving several fire trucks.

The city adopted the theme “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa,” reinforcing the message that fire prevention is a shared responsibility.

The observance in Mandaue City focuses on public education through drills, information campaigns, and community-based activities aimed at teaching preventive measures and proper emergency response.

City Councilor Eugene Andaya, who served as Guest of Honor and Speaker during the kick-off ceremony, called on residents to remain vigilant, especially inside their homes and communities.

Andaya highlighted the importance of ensuring safe electrical wiring, closely monitoring cooking activities, and avoiding practices that may trigger fires.

The city councilor reminded the public that fire prevention is a collective effort, urging families and communities to work together to protect lives and property and to keep neighborhoods safe.

Through the simultaneous kick-off activities in Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, the BFP and local governments reiterated their shared commitment to safeguarding communities, strengthening preparedness, and fostering a culture of safety throughout Fire Prevention Month 2026.

Archival to firefighters: take lessons from Japanese

In the same ceremony, Archival shared three valuable insights he learned from his official two-day trip to Japan for a trade and healthcare mission benchmarking activity last week.

First, he recognized the impressive discipline and attitude of the Japanese when it comes to the cleanliness of their surroundings, urging members of the BFP and its volunteers to find ways to maintain cleanliness in Cebu City.

“I hope that the members of the fire department and the volunteers will always find a way to make our city clean,” he said.

Second, Archival talked about a Japanese philosophy called “kaizen,” which means “continuous improvement” or “change for the better.”

He also encouraged the attendees to go all out in their endeavors, emphasizing the significance of developing their efficiency as public servants.

Lastly, Archival discussed the worsening garbage problem in the city and strongly called for active community involvement to resolve it.

“We have a problem with garbage. I would like to ask each and everyone of you to help the city,” the mayor said.

“Find ways in our offices, in our homes to segregate… Kung naay makawt kilid sa atong balay, please do so. This is a very small thing,” he added, suggesting that they can start helping by segregating their waste in their own homes or offices.

Apart from the long-standing concerns about garbage disposal, Archival also mentioned another dilemma regarding the city’s water supply.

He noted that the approximately 300,000 households in the city need about 500,000 cubic meters daily. He added that the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) can supply only 300,000 cubic meters of water.

However, Archival asserted that there is existing non-revenue water, underlining that only 200,000 cubic meters are actually delivered to households each day.

“Out of the 300,000 (cubic meters)—that’s actually a big feat for MCWD—only 200,000 cubic meters of water can only flow to our tap,” he said.

Because of this, Archival urged the BFP to conserve water in their fire trucks, stressing the PHP 6.5 million loss from the 100,000 cubic-meter deficit every day.

“Hangyo lang ko ninyo ani because actually kining 100,000 cubic meters na mawala taga adlaw, it costs the city about a few part PHP 6.5 million a day,” he said, noting that each cubic meter costs PHP 65.

Furthermore, Archival honored the men and women of the BFP for their unwavering courage, discipline, and sacrifices as frontliners who respond in times of emergencies to save lives, homes, and communities.

“Cebu City is safe because of your dedication and thank you for that,” he said.

He also vowed to extend full support to the BFP by providing equipment, training, and assistance for the welfare of every firefighter.

In response to the city mayor’s request, Senior Fire Officer 3 Wendell Villanueva, spokesperson for the Cebu City BFP, affirmed that the fire department is active and consistent in protecting the environment.

“We involve ourselves sa pag-take care sa environment,” he assured, highlighting the BFP’s coastal clean-up and tree-planting activities for Fire Prevention Month.

Villanueva also acknowledged the vital contributions of the city government to the BFP, particularly in terms of logistics, resources, and support for their programs.

“The Cebu City government has been so helpful. Dako kaayo sila og tabang… Wala gyud ta pasagdi. Ila gyud ta gi amumahan ug gisuportaan sa tanang paagi nga possible nga ilang ma-extend sa atoa,” he said.

Meanwhile, during yesterday’s kick-off ceremony, Villanueva shared that over 100 fire trucks and emergency response vehicles joined the motorcade across major thoroughfares in Cebu City.

He also said the parade aimed to signal to the community the formal launching of the month-long observance and the start of the hot season in March, the month with the most reported fire incidents. /Kristin de Dios and Nicholas Jon Malaga (IHM). (CEBU NEWS)