BACOLOD City — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officially launched Fire Prevention Month 2026 with a vibrant and well-attended regional kick-off ceremony on March 1 at SM City Bacolod North Block.
The event drew strong participation from government agencies, uniformed services, civic organizations, and community partners from across the Negros Island Region (NIR).
In a press statement, the BFP–Bacolod City Fire Station said the ceremony highlighted unity and shared responsibility in promoting fire safety, particularly as the country enters the dry season when fire incidents typically increase.
Serving as guest of honor and speaker was Fire Chief Supt. Gilbert D. Dolot, officer-in-charge of the Chief Directorial Staff of the BFP National Headquarters. In his keynote address, Dolot underscored the importance of proactive fire prevention measures, strengthened collaboration with stakeholders, and sustained public awareness campaigns to reduce fire-related incidents.
Leading the regional delegation was Fire Chief Supt. Rodolfo P. Denaga, regional director of BFP-NIR, together with key regional staff, provincial fire marshals, and city and municipal fire marshals from across the region.
The BFP–Bacolod City Fire Station, under the leadership of City Fire Marshal Fire Supt. Jenny Mae C. Masip, played a central role in organizing and hosting the regional launch.
Also in attendance were members of the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod, including Councilor Psyche Marie E. Sy, chairperson of the Committee on Fire and Natural Disaster; Councilor Celia Flor; and Councilor Bobby Rojas, as well as Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Bacolod City Director Christian M. Nagaynay.
The event received strong support from partner agencies in the uniformed services, national and local government offices, Barangay Community Fire Auxiliary Groups, volunteer fire brigades, private establishments, and civic organizations—reflecting a whole-of-community approach to fire prevention.
The celebration began with a kick-off motorcade at 6 a.m., joined by more than 600 participants who paraded around the city to raise awareness and demonstrate collective commitment to fire safety advocacy throughout March.
This year’s Fire Prevention Month carries the theme, “Sa pag-iwas sa sunog, hindi ka nag-iisa,” emphasizing that fire prevention is a shared responsibility between government authorities and the public.
The regional launch sets the tone for a month-long lineup of activities across the Negros Island Region, including fire drills, public information campaigns, safety exhibits, community outreach programs, and partnership-building initiatives aimed at strengthening fire safety practices./PN
