MABALACAT CITY — The city government here has set various activities for the celebration of Fire Prevention Month, kicking off with a parade of fire trucks, fire brigades and fire volunteers and a fire control demonstration on Tuesday, March 5.
Long-time fire brigade organizer and volunteer Councilor Timothy Dee will lead the launch.
“The celebrations in Mabalacat City are very significant. They are more than the usual activities. And they are made more remarkable with the support of both the private sector and the government especially local officials,” said Fire Senior Inspector (FNISP) Joshua Ayson, this city’s Fire Marshal.
Among the scheduled activities are the distribution of fire extinguishers and other gifts (March 11) at Bahay Pagasa orphanage as well as in various public schools, an art contest (March 12) for young children, and a tree planting (March 22) activity at an Aeta settlement in Sitio Calapi in Barangay Calumpang in cooperation with the City Agriculture Office where about 100 seedlings of various species would be planted.
A highlight of the month-long celebrations will be the so-called Fire Olympics (March 15) where six barangays will battle it out in the hose laying, hose rolling and competitiveness of their bucket brigades.
With theme “Sa Pag-Iwas Sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa!” other activities in this city include the following:
March 12 – Flag Raising and Demonstration Fire Extinguisher Proper Usage before City Government employees at Xevera Complex
March 13 – Simultaneous High Density Drill at Clark College of Science and Technology at Samsonville, Dau.
March 13 – Open House, an orientation of students on fire safety, use of fire extinguishers and fire suppression
March 14 – Clean up drive along MacArthur Highway in cooperation with CENRO, DEPED and other departments of the City Government
Meanwhile, this City’s Fire Station promptly responded to two incidents that saved at least 15 lives, as well as houses and personal properties.
These occurred at Portobello Subdivision in Barangay Duquit on January 29, 2024 and on February 19, 2024 at Barangay Bical. No one was reported injured in these two incidents
The City Fire Marshal
FSINSP Ayson assumed the city’s top fire post only last January 29, 2023. At 29 years old, he is one of the youngest City Fire Marshalls in the Philippines appointed by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). He is a Kapampangan and hails from Capas, Tarlac.
A member of PNPA Maragtas Class of 2018, he is a top-notch officer, ranking Top 6 in Officers Advance Course.
He was first assigned as aide-de-camp of then Fire Chief, Director Leonard Banago, in 2018. His idealism earned him several key positions at the BFP Regional Office III prior to his appointment as fire marshal of Sto. Tomas, Pampanga in 2021, then Bacolor, Pampanga from 2021-2023.
With his 5-year experience coupled by values, knowledge and skills, Ayson was entrusted to lead the fire department of one of the most progressive cities in Central Luzon.
“I take great pleasure and honor to serve as the fire marshal of Mabalacat. My goal is to create a safer environment for everyone by implementing proactive fire safety measures and fostering a culture of preparedness. Together, we can make a significant difference in protecting lives and property,” Ayson said.
