Following a huge fire that broke out yesterday in District 1’s Barangay San Antonio, the Quezon City government has launched a community-based fire awareness program designed to educate residents on basic fire prevention measures.
The blaze struck West Riverside in Barangay San Antonio, leaving 450 families homeless.
Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte cited the importance of awareness on fire prevention measures, saying fire incidents could be avoided if the people would only know the danger of illegal electrical connections and the different fire hazards.
She spearheaded the program’s launch while expressing disappointment over the series of fire occurrences since January.
“Why should it happen that for just a simple mistake in leaving a stove, candle or electrical connection open while the resident is away should lead to a big fire that is affecting too many people?” Belmonte asked.
The city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Social Services Development, the Philippine Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection and Manila Electric Co. shall conduct weekly seminars in different barangays to take up fire awareness and electrical safety tips.
According to the vice mayor, the internal administrative challenges of the city government would take the provision of the financial assistance for fire victims for at least six months before it can be distributed.