BFP conducts ‘recorida’ in Dinagat Islands communities for a safe Undas
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — To ensure the safe observance of this year’s Undas, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Dinagat Islands, through its municipal stations, has reached grassroots communities in the province for the conduct of ‘recorida’ to promote public safety, order and readiness.
Considered as a best practice of the agency, recorida involves the conduct of fire truck visibility where fire personnel visit and roam the alleys and streets of various barangays as well as key places, airing significant recorded announcements, and reminders using a megaphone and a loudspeaker to remind the residents on safety tips against emergencies and hazards.
The fire personnel also encouraged community vigilance and cooperation in the timely reporting of untoward incidents to dedicated hotline numbers and enforcement agencies, especially during Undas.
Headed by Fire Marshal Bobby U. Arena Jr., the BFP Dinagat Islands has already augmented safety measures as part of their preparation for the influx of people who will be visiting cemeteries for their departed loved ones on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and tourist arrivals across the province during the long weekend.
Doming, a resident of Barangay General Aguinaldo in Libjo town, commended the personnel of Libjo Fire Station who conducted fire truck visibility and recorida on Oct. 28 in their vicinity. “This is a good initiative from the BFP. Before, we only saw them if there was fire. Now, they lead in disaster awareness and readiness, keeping our communities safe for everyone.”
“Kining recorida sa BFP rani nako nakita ug nindot pod kay kini nga serbisyo moabot jud sa mga barangay–dool ug layo. (I have seen this recorida from the BFP only, and this service reaches the barangays regardless of distance–near or far),” he said.
He added that this initiative is also implemented by the BFP during calamities such as typhoons. “Even during typhoons, I also see them doing recorida, informing and reminding communities on preemptive measures and the proper steps that we need to take to ensure our safety.”
For Doming, the BFP’s recorida is an effective platform in bringing safety awareness nearer to the communities. This is a testament of BFP’s commitment to fulfilling the duty to safeguard lives and properties from fire and emergencies, he said.
Meanwhile, BFP Caraga announced that it is on Blue Alert status from Oct. 28-29. From Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, the status will be raised to Red Alert and the deployment of all BFP personnel across the region will proceed, including teams for firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS). (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)