Barangay Tangub Crowned Champion in Bacolod's Inaugural Fire and Rescue Olympics
In a vibrant display of skill and solidarity, Barangay Tangub in Bacolod City was declared the overall champion of the 1st Mayor Greg Barangay Fire and Rescue Olympics 2026. The event unfolded at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on March 19, 2026, drawing participants from across the city's 61 barangays. With the theme "Sa Pag-Iwas Sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa" (In Fire Prevention, You Are Not Alone), this friendly competition marked a significant milestone as the fourth annual event organized by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the first under the administration of Mayor Greg Gasataya.
A Test of Preparedness and Teamwork
Barangay Tangub clinched the top honor with an impressive average score of 88 percent, outperforming four other competing barangays in a series of physically demanding and skill-based challenges. These activities were meticulously designed to simulate real-life emergency scenarios, testing participants' agility, coordination, and response capabilities. The victory earned the barangay a cash prize of P20,000, symbolizing not just monetary reward but recognition of their dedication to community safety.
Kagawad Paula Arca of Barangay Tangub, who also served as coach, attributed their success to rigorous preparation, unwavering teamwork, and heartfelt commitment. "I told them to simply play for our barangay. During the first Fire Olympics, we won, and this time we really trained for three days, even with new members. Just play with all your heart," Arca shared. She emphasized that beyond the thrill of competition, the experience provided invaluable lessons for handling emergencies, reinforcing the event's educational purpose.
Expanding Horizons: Multiple Categories and Winners
The Fire Olympics extended beyond the barangay level, incorporating high school and company categories to foster broader community engagement. In the High School Category, Mansilingan Agro-Industrial High School achieved a back-to-back championship with an average score of 87.41, securing P15,000. Meanwhile, the Company Fire Brigade Category saw Ayala Capitol Fire Brigade repeat its victory with a remarkable 99 percent average score, earning P20,000. All participating teams received consolation prizes of P3,000, ensuring that every effort was acknowledged.
Barangay Granada secured second place, while Barangay 2 claimed third, highlighting the competitive spirit across the city. The event, aligned with Fire Prevention Month, brought together firefighters, rescue personnel, barangay representatives, private companies, and students in a dynamic showcase of preparedness and unity.
Emphasizing Community and Readiness
Representing Mayor Gasataya, Executive Assistant Richard Chiu underscored that the activity transcended mere competition. "This is not an ordinary activity. This is a celebration of courage, discipline, preparedness, and public service," Chiu stated. He added that it was about building a culture of excellence in emergency response, focusing on readiness and teamwork rather than just physical strength or technical skill.
Christian Nagaynay, Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bacolod, highlighted the Fire Olympics' role in strengthening awareness, camaraderie, and coordination among responders. "First, this is one way for us to further raise awareness and give greater importance to fire prevention. Second, aside from awareness, this is also an opportunity for us to get to know one another. Camaraderie and relationship-building are important among responders so we can understand our responses and strategies toward a unified approach," he explained. Nagaynay stressed that maintaining a strong community network is vital for effective disaster management.
Protecting Lives and Fostering Growth
City Fire Marshal Superintendent Jenny Mae Masip reminded attendees of the event's core mission: protecting human life. "This Fire Prevention Month serves as a reminder that life is precious. Our primary goal is that no life will be lost. Properties can be replaced and we can start over, but when a life is lost, that is the most tragic," Masip said. She expressed gratitude to all participants for their support and commitment to BFP activities, congratulating them as winners in their own right.
Councilor Psyche Marie Sy, chairperson of the City Council committee on fire and disaster management, reflected on the initiative's growth with pride. "During our first Fire Olympics, we only had a few participants and it was limited to the barangay level. Now, I am very proud because it has grown significantly through the efforts of our BFP and Fire Marshal. Hopefully next year, this will grow even bigger," she remarked, envisioning an expanded future for the event.
Event Highlights and Future Commitments
The Fire Olympics featured a range of engaging events, including the Fire Hose Down Challenge, Bucket Relay Challenge, Emergency Medical Challenge, and Tug of War. Ceremonial highlights such as the parade of participants, lighting of the Fire Olympics torch, and a water salute added to the festive atmosphere, blending tradition with practical training.
The City Government of Bacolod, in partnership with the BFP, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and empowering communities through continuous training, collaboration, and shared responsibility. This event not only celebrated achievements but also laid the groundwork for a more resilient and united Bacolod, ready to face any emergency with confidence and skill.
