BFP ILOCOS SUR REMINDS PUBLIC TO PRIORITIZE SAFETY IN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

December 30, 2023 Provincial

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Ilocos Sur emphasized that this year’s New Year celebration will be more festive and happier if people prioritize their safety. Fire Superintendent Floro Obrero, provincial fire marshal, said the BFP’s “Oplan PaalalaIwas Paputok” was already launched in early December to mobilize their personnel and strengthen public awareness regarding the use of
firecrackers. “Instead [of firecrackers], they can use kalembang or large bells, even torotot or hornshaped trumpet, or old galvanized iron sheets to welcome the new year.

Hopefully, wala nang magtinda ng paputok,” Obrero said. “Sa paggamit ng paputok, dapat wala ng magbebenta para wala ng gagamit. If ever na meron pa ring magbebenta dapat safe ang paggamit ng bibili,” he said during the Ammuentayo radio program of PIA Ilocos Sur on Sunday. As of December 27, the BFP reported a total of 10 local government units in the province with recorded
firecracker vendors.

He explained that vendors must secure a permit and pass the inspection which requires a storage that is safe and far from houses since it would cause a major casualty if an explosion occurs. The provincial fire marshal also reminded the locals, “Daydiay lang koma naragsak ken safe a panangsarabo ti daytoy baro a tawen ti ipangpangrunatayo; awan ti madisgrasya babaen ti paputok. Ti BFP ket dadta latta nga kanakanayon para kaniayo. BFP, bestfriend palagi. (I hope that in welcoming the new year, we prioritize joyful and safe celebrations to avoid accidents caused by firecrackers. BFP is always there for you, BFP, always your best friend.)”

Additionally, through the “Oplan Paalala-Iwas Paputok” program, Obrero said they will conduct roving scheduled at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in strategic places including plazas, front of municipal halls, busy streets, and public markets. In December, no BFP personnel are allowed to take leaves since Obrero said, “Dapat magtrabaho lang kami, wala munang magbabakasyon.”

(JCR/AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)