Bureau of Fire Protection Central Visayas Engages Youth in Fire Safety Awareness Through Creative Contest
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Visayas has taken a proactive step to amplify its fire prevention campaign by organizing a Poster and Slogan Making Contest for young students. This initiative aims to harness the artistic talents of the youth to disseminate crucial safety messages against fires, fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness within the community.
Event Details and Participation
The competition was held on March 5, 2026, at the SM Jmall Atrium in Mandaue City, attracting talented junior and senior high school students from various private and public schools across the city. A total of 12 students participated in this engaging event, which is part of the broader celebrations for Fire Prevention Month 2026. The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Month is "Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa" (In Fire Prevention, You Are Not Alone), emphasizing collective responsibility in fire safety efforts.
Winners and Prizes
The contest featured two categories: Poster Making and Slogan Making, with winners recognized for their creativity and impactful messages. In the Poster Making Contest, the top prizes were awarded to Gianna Faye F. Colina from Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion (first place), Savanah Gee C. Tariman from Canduman National High School (second place), and Nico Earl Amores from Labogon National High School (third place). For the Slogan Making Contest, Stephanie N. Damole of Paknaan National High School secured first place, followed by Joel Ostria from Subangdaku Technical Vocational School in second place, and Ayeisha N. Gallardo from Cubacub National High School in third place.
All winners received cash prizes as a reward for their efforts: P5,000 for first place, P3,000 for second place, and P2,000 for third place. This not only acknowledges their artistic skills but also incentivizes future participation in similar community-driven initiatives.
Judges and Objectives
The competition was judged by a panel of experts, including FSUPT Heide Lynn R. Virtudes from the BFP Regional Headquarters Support Service-7, Mr. Jesus A. Codeniera, and Engr. Diana Hazel M. Camacho. Their selection criteria focused on creativity, relevance to the fire safety theme, and overall impact of the entries.
This activity underscores the importance of fire prevention by providing students with a platform to showcase their artistic talents while promoting safety. By involving the youth, the BFP Central Visayas aims to instill early awareness about fire hazards and encourage proactive measures within households and schools.
Broader Impact and Future Initiatives
As part of Fire Prevention Month 2026, this contest highlights the critical role of education and community engagement in reducing fire-related incidents. The BFP's efforts to integrate art and safety messaging demonstrate an innovative approach to public awareness campaigns, potentially inspiring similar events in other regions. Moving forward, such initiatives are expected to contribute to a safer environment by empowering the next generation with knowledge and skills to prevent fires.
