Fire Prevention Month
Sen. Marcos extols selfless service of volunteer firemen

Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. on Sunday extolled the selfless dedication of volunteer firemen who willingly put themselves in harm's way to serve the people as he called on the public to take extra precautions to prevent fires in their homes and communities.

Speaking at the launching of activities to welcome the onset of "Fire Prevention Month" of the Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Firefighters of the Philippines, Inc. at the Harbour Center in Tondo, Manila, Marcos said the group serves as living proof that the spirit of volunteerism is very much alive. "The spirit of volunteerism that is shown by our volunteer firemen is a good example to our young people," he said.

Marcos noted that by their own initiative the volunteer firemen organized themselves to help others in times of crisis without expecting anything in return. "We could see that they are ready to help, to serve without expecting any recognition or anything in return," Marcos noted.

Likewise, Marcos said volunteer firefighters provide crucial assistance to the public in times of fire, noting that with the use of their own resources volunteer firefighters normally manage to acquire better equipment compared to their government counterparts.

"There are areas where our government firefighters, those from the Bureau of Fire Protection could not cover and our fire volunteers fill that void with their equipment, swift and timely response and dedication and commitment," Marcos added.

He then urged the public to take precautionary measures to prevent fire from taking place in their homes and communities. "Fire prevention is not the sole work of the government and volunteer groups, we need the help of the public to prevent fires. Check electrical installations, avoid smoking in closed spaces, turn off appliances and candles when not in use, among others. These things could spell the difference between safety and tragedy," he stressed

Marcos said that if he wins as vice president in the coming May elections one of the things he would push is to increase the capability of the BFP to ensure the people won't have to depend largely on the help of volunteers during incidents of fire.