BFP, DILG, and SM Prime empower communities through 1st fire volunteers assembly

　　In a demonstration of its commitment to community safety, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) partnered with SM Prime to hold the inaugural Fire Volunteers Assembly at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 30, 2024. This event aimed to honor the dedication of fire volunteers and strengthen collaboration between the BFP, fire brigades (barangay and company)， and volunteer organizations。

Fire trucks assemble at the SM Mall of Asia Globe for the 1st Fire Volunteers Assembly。

(L-R)： Bureau of Fire Protection National Headquarters (BFP NHQ) Deputy Chief for Operations Fire Chief Superintendent (FCSUPT) Wilberto Rico Niel Kwan Tiu, BFP Fire Director (FDIR) Louie Puracan, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr., Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo, and SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio

The 1st Fire Volunteers Assembly brings together heroes: fire volunteers, brigades, and organizations, uniting to strengthen fire safety efforts。

　　The BFP also recognized the vital role of fire volunteer association leaders by presenting them with tokens and plaques of appreciation. This recognition ceremony not only honored the leaders themselves but also served to inspire all fire volunteers and boost overall morale within the volunteer community。

A token and plaque of appreciation is presented to fire volunteer leaders。

　　The Fire Volunteers Assembly served as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Representatives from the Land Transportation Office (LTO)， Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)， and the Philippine National Volunteer Services Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) provided valuable insights from their areas of expertise. These discussions fostered a collaborative environment for all emergency responders, equipping them with essential knowledge and strategies to effectively perform their duties。

　　SM Prime strengthens its commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) by partnering with the BFP. This ongoing collaboration, established in 2019, focuses on fire safety education, BFP personnel training, fire brigade teams, and nationwide fire drills held at SM malls, promoting fire prevention as a key element of a comprehensive DRR strategy。