BFP Dinagat Islands distributes ‘torotot’ for New Year revelry
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) distributed ‘torotot’ or party horns to communities in the Province of Dinagat Islands on December 29 to promote a safer way of welcoming the new year 2026.
Under the supervision of Fire Senior Inspector Bobby U. Arena Jr., the BFP’s provincial office and all its substations launched and promoted the use of torotot under the campaign dubbed “Sa Paputok Umiwas, Sa Torotot Masligtas” (Stay away from firecrackers, use the safe toy horn instead.)
“To discourage the use of dangerous firecrackers, fire personnel conducted a simultaneous drive of distributing torotots to the communities,” Arena said. “This initiative offers an alternative merrymaking to ensure that welcoming the new year would be free from firecracker injuries and fire incidents.”
“The BFP continues to remind the public that making noise to welcome the New Year is a tradition that is made more meaningful if celebrated safely when the only thing blowing is the sound of toy horns made by children and families,” Arena added.
Nene from Barangay Don Ruben in San Jose town gladly received a torotot from a BFP personnel. “Thank you, sir, for this free torotot. I will encourage my playmates not to use firecrackers to greet the New Year because the safety of everyone is more important.”
“It is painful to see people get hurt because of firecrackers. New Year should be celebrated at home, and not in the hospital,” she added.
Meanwhile, in fulfillment of its mandate to protect life and property from danger and fire incidents, the BFP Caraga, led by Director Jerome T. Reano placed the entire region on Code Blue or heightened alert status from Dec. 1 to 22. All stations intensified their respective fire safety enforcements and public information campaigns.
As a show of full readiness during the peak of the holiday season, the BFP Caraga escalated its status to Code Red or full alert from Dec. 23 to January 2, 2026.
This proactive measure highlighted the Bureau’s heightened operational posture, showcasing its fire suppression units, special rescue personnel, emergency medical services, and operational vehicular assets—all ready and vigilant for immediate response. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from BFP Caraga/Dinagat Islands)