Santa Marcela, Apayao- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–Apayao is conducting a five-day Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness Level training at Walai Resort in Sipa, Santa Marcela, Apayao from September 25-29, 2023 as means to ensure safety of the public.
The Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA) allocated Php 455,403.00 through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) to fund this training which is one of the important aspects of safety, especially in towns where there is fast paced development and increased population growth.
The primary objective of the training was to enhance the capabilities of the BFP, PNP, ARMY, and PDRRMO in effectively managing and responding to hazardous material emergencies in the province.
Given the inevitable increase in hazardous material spill incidents due to population growth, urbanization, and modernization, coupled with the potential threat of hazmat use by terrorist and extremist groups, the need for preparedness is paramount.
The absence of a HAZMAT Team within BFP-CAR prompted the proposal for the creation of a Special Rescue Force, comprising Basic Rescue Technique Course (BRTC) graduates, selected BFP Personnel, PNP Personnel, EMT, Army, and PDRRMO Personnel. This initiative aims to fill the gap in managing hazmat incidents and other potential extremism and terrorism-related activities involving hazardous materials.
Speakers for the training included FINSP David R. Oting and SFO1 Angelica Lyka Casionan from BFP-National Headquarters and BFP-Regional Headquarters. They covered topics such as Hazmat Response Incident Introduction, Hazard Classification, Hazmat ID, Placards and Labels, Emergency Response Guide, Emergency Response Procedures, Termination, Evaluation on the use of ERG, Personal Protective Equipment, and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
Joefrey M. Borremeo, LDRRMO IV, warmly welcomed the 60 participants from the seven municipalities. He emphasized the significance of this hazmat training, noting its crucial role for both DRRM practitioners and uniformed personnel in responding to various emergencies. "We are here not because of orders; rather, we are here because we have made a heartfelt commitment to carry out our duties and to act in times of emergency," he stated.
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