By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
Burgos, Ilocos Norte—Fire volunteers from Brgy. Poblacion in this town will represent the province in the National Fire Olympics as they emerged as champion under the Barangay Category in the recently concluded Regional Fire Olympics in La Union on April 30, 2019.
Composed of 14 participants including their coach and team leader, the Poblacion fire brigade also won in major awards such as Best in Bucket Relay and Best in Fire Extinguishment.
Participated in by the four provinces of La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, it is the first time an Ilocos Norte barangay representative won the overall championship.
The 6th Regional Fire Olympics aims to build camaraderie among fire brigade and volunteers and to select representatives in the National Fire Olympics on March 2020.
“We are so much grateful to God for this award. Thank you to all of you who gave us inspiration, support, trust and prayers,” said Brgy. Poblacion chairperson Joegie Jimenez while narrating his team’s show of unity, agility and will power to win the game.
More than the glass trophy, Mr. Jimenez expressed confidence that the Poblacion barangay fire brigade will be able to deliver what is expected of them when they are most needed by the community.
“All these became possible because of the support of the Energy Development Corporation, the local government unit of Burgos and the Bureau of Fire and Protection station in our town who were behind us along the way,” he said.
The Bureau of Fire and Protection is conducting the Olympics to promote its programs such as the so-called SIKAP (Sunog Iwasan Kapatiran Ay Pahalagahan), BIDA (Barangay Integrated Defense Action) and Barangay Mo Ibumbero Mo.
The BFP believes that through these programs, barangay folks will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in firefighting and save a life should there be any fire incidents in their respective areas of jurisdiction.