THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has shifted to new normal its observance of the Fire Prevention Month, which started Monday, March 1, amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Superintendent Jhufel Brañanola, BFP assistant regional director, said this year's observance kicked off with simultaneous 10-minute blowing of horn, which was followed by a motorcade and bloodletting activity.
Brañanola said the motorcade was solely participated by BFP personnel unlike in previous years when the opening activity was joined by "our stakeholders like the fire volunteers and different volunteer organizations."
Brañanola said all other activities the BFP has lined up will held through social media to avoid person-to-person contact, thus preventing the spread of Covid-19.
"This year's Fire Prevention Month observance is going digital," he said, citing it is based on the directive of Director Jose Embang Jr., national BFP chief.
He said this year's activity include Apoy at Lente short film festival and professional photography contest, as well as signing of agreements with concerned stakeholders.
He said there will also be fire safety tips contest through audio-visual presentation and deadline for submission of entries is on March 15. The winning entries will be announced on March 31.
"This is a contest initiated by the BFP central office," he added.
The deadline for submission is on March 15 and result of winners will be announced on March 31.
Brañanola said this year's Fire Prevention Month observance is anchored on the theme "Sa Pag-was sa sunog, hindi ka nag-iisa."
"The observance of the fire prevention month is everyone's concern, not only of the BFP, but all of us," he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)