Taking the first step towards fulfilling President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to strengthen fire safety in schools, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Wednesday distributed 56 fire extinguishers to Culiat High School in Quezon City, launching what will be a nationwide effort.

The move follows the President’s personal visit to San Francisco High School, one of the oldest public schools in Quezon City, after it was razed by fire a day before the school year opened. The President committed to taking immediate, proactive steps to ensure the safety of students and communities in times of emergency.

“This is a small but necessary gesture from the DILG. This is what we do every day. You must be protected from any kind of emergency,” said DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the turnover ceremony.

With this donation, Culiat High School, which serves around 2,000 students, now maintains a 1:1 fire extinguisher to classroom ratio, setting a standard for preparedness and reinforcing the government’s commitment to school safety.

“Today, we are very happy because that promise is fulfilled. We are very thankful to Sec. Remulla, to Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Cong. Marivic Co-Pilar for this initiative in helping create a safe space in our schools and our communities,” said Quezon City School Division Superintendent Carleen S. Sedilla as she formally received the equipment.

From January to July 1, 2025, a total of 8,195 fire incidents have been recorded nationwide. Of these, 191 occurred in Quezon City, and 15 involved educational facilities.

As part of the activity, BFP personnel also conducted a live demonstration of the proper use of a fire extinguisher using the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Culiat High School Master Teacher Myrna Piedad and Grade 9 student Isabella Heart Cabra participated in the demo, reinforcing fire response awareness among teachers and students.

Secretary Remulla also announced that with the full activation of the national 911 emergency hotline this month, the public can now expect a three-minute emergency response time nationwide.

“This is our job, to make you feel safe and secure. In times of need, the government is there for you,” Remulla said.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-BFP-BEGIN-FULFILLING-PBBM-PROMISE-TO-KEEP-SCHOOLS-SAFE-WITH-FIRE-EXTINGUISHER-DONATION-TO-CULIAT-HIGH-SCHOOL/NC-2025-1090