OVER 20 firefighter volunteer teams from various villages and industrial companies in Davao City will compete in the 9th Inter-Barangay Fire Volunteer and Industrial Combat Challenge on March 25 at the University of Mindanao (UM) grounds in line with the month-long observance of Fire Prevention Month.
This year's theme, "Buhay at Ari-arian ay Pahalagahan, Ibayong Pag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa Sariling Pamayanan Simulan," supports the advocacy of the government towards progressive community through fire safety awareness.
The activity aims to test the capability of the fire volunteers in responding to fire emergencies that will strike in their areas and also to build camaraderie among fellow fire volunteers.
"The first objective is to promote camaraderie among all firefighters/responders whether in government or private," BFP Davao public information officer Christian Cena said Friday.
He added that the event also seeks to determine the level of skills inherent in each group and to acquaint new members of each group about the existing relationship the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), volunteers and other auxiliaries present in Davao City have.
"This is also a form of a refresher for both sides," he added.
Aside from fire response, Fire Officer 1 Magdalena Magsico said that the capability of the volunteers in rescue operation will also be tested.
She said there are three sets of challenges that each participants will face. Aside from containing the fire, there are also rescue and transfer relay, up the ladder and fire extinguishment, and combination of busted hose.
"Dito makikita kung paano maiha-handle ang mga situation," she said.
Last year, the winners of the combat challenge are New City Commercial Center (NCCC) for the industry category and Toril Proper for village.
Hosted by BFP Davao, the activity also aims to raise public awareness on Fire Prevention Month.
On Friday, BFP tallied 15 entries for village category and nine for industrial category.
Deadline of submission of entries is on Monday.
Winners will be declared on March 31, culmination of the Fire Prevention Month.