Las Piñas Fire Safety: Carlo Aguilar Calls for Year-Round Preparedness
The annual March observation of Fire Prevention Month sees local governments teaming up with the Bureau of Fire Protection for public awareness drives. These efforts, while valuable, prompt a more profound question about the sustained commitment to fire safety in communities. Carlo Aguilar, a long-time proponent of fire preparedness and mayoral candidate for Las Piñas, argues that a single month of emphasis is insufficient.
Beyond March: Cultivating constant awareness
“Fire prevention should not be confined to the month of March. Safety during fires and natural disasters like earthquakes should be ingrained in the minds of both young and adult Las Piñas residents all year round,” Aguilar maintained. He believes that a continuous educational approach is necessary to instill an understanding of safety protocols within the community.
This assertion follows recent fire incidents in Las Piñas, including a second-alarm fire in a Pulang Lupa residential area on February 27. Additionally, a grassland fire in Talon Tres was brought under control through the prompt actions of city firefighters, including those from Pamplona Tres. These events highlight the ongoing risk and the need for constant vigilance.
Practical support and future commitments
Aguilar’s involvement in fire safety is not limited to words. As a private citizen and business owner, he has provided tangible support by donating four fire trucks to Las Piñas. This contribution includes the city’s first ladder truck, a piece of equipment that significantly enhances the firefighting abilities of the local department.
Should he be elected mayor, Aguilar pledges to enforce fire safety regulations rigorously. He intends to ensure that commercial buildings adhere to the Fire Code, specifically focusing on the installation of necessary safety features. These include adequate exit signs, sprinkler systems, early fire alarm systems, and other safety measures designed to protect lives.
Call for proactive measures
“We need to take fire prevention seriously, not just to protect properties but to save lives. If we want a safer Las Piñas, we must be proactive, not reactive,” Aguilar stated. His stance emphasizes a shift from responding to emergencies to preventing them through consistent education, enforcement, and community preparedness.
