Spreading The Power Of Preparedness!

Uniting students and teachers with heroes in the community? Ah! That was so epic at my workplace. Safety first!

Last time the superb Bureau of Fire Protection and the fearless leaders of the Rescue team together with the squad visited our school to spread preparedness to any challenges and disasters that may come our way.

The symposium has united experts, students, and educators to explore resourceful and innovative disaster preparedness approaches through demonstrations, workshops, and discussions that could help empower everyone to face difficulties in times of trials. This day marked an extraordinary collaboration with the superhero squad with the commitment of student leaders and Teachers to safety and community resilience.

Teaching protection and safety to the learners and teachers was not just about preventing disasters and hazards, but also about nurturing a generation equipped with a fountain of knowledge, commitment, and responsibility to safeguard oneself and the community in general.

The symposium started at around 9 am. Before the symposium proper, all the student leaders and teachers gathered at the covered court and then the speakers and the team were introduced. When the symposium started, it was good to see that everyone was interested and many questions were raised too.

The students and teachers were there side by side to keep our workplace safe as the team shared their valuable knowledge in keeping the school safe and conducive to learning.

There were many topics discussed not to mention the geological hazards that could occur in our place such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and flash floods. What to do before, during, and after were also tackled. It was also a way of exchanging ideas as my colleagues who experienced the geologic hazard had shared their inputs in front.

While having the event, we were so lucky to be given free snacks by the Local Government Unit headed by Hon. Rogelio D. Quiño. And here I am at my seat holding my snacks with a lunch pack consisting of spaghetti, sliced bread, and a cold soda.

I enjoyed eating my free treats while I was listening to the speakers. I so appreciate the local government unit of Manolo Fortich for this opportunity.

Road clearing of the Manolo Fortich RTA was also mentioned. That is why I have noticed that no sidewalk vendors were selling on a spot where they used to make a living. The main concern of the government is for safety when it comes to accidents and more. Many Republic Acts were also mentioned concerning the citizens and I believe that what they were doing benefits everybody although many vendors had lost their area for selling. But the government wanted that they should ask for a permit and what was good was a solution for relocation and a place for a proposed motorcycle terminal and a marketplace.

The last topic discussed during the symposium was fire and burning. Before the demonstration, important points were discussed and then when everything was tackled, we all gathered at the back for the squad to have a demonstration. Here are some quick snaps before the demonstration started.

When the equipment was prepared, the demonstration started. The teachers and students were all encouraged to do the practical application.

The speaker discussed what to do and there were students and teachers selected to do the hands-on of what to do in case of fire. One of my colleagues volunteered and a student from Junior High School handed the Fire extinguisher. Here are some quick snapshots of the moment with a thick smoke.

After the practical application on how to use properly the fire extinguisher, the liquefied petroleum gas or the LPG was the. manipulated by the Bureau Of Fire Protection Officer. And once again, another colleague volunteered to execute the instructions from the officer.

Before the demonstration, everyone got goose bumps. Yes, there were mixed emotions like being scared, afraid, and even excited as well. According to the Fire Officer, the best thing to do was to prepare a wet cloth and rotate it back clockwise.

And here are moments of the actual demonstration. I even leaped higher when the fire seemed closed to me and I ended up laughing because of my reaction. Everybody seemed scared when the fire extended well like this.

Who would never be scared when this type of fire is in front? Honestly, I jumped at a distance because the fire got near me while my colleague was having the execution.

Moreover, after the demonstration, there was a quick quiz in which students will be given a cash prize if they could answer the questions. As much as possible they should answer the shortest time possible with a quick response to win. And I am happy to hear that my students were listening as they got the correct answers.

Finally, we had given Certificates of Appreciation and Recognition to the heroes in our community for sharing their expertise most especially for giving time to spread the power of preparedness. And then we had a photo opportunity at the stage together with my colleagues.

And now, we continue keeping our school safe as we make the school community stronger and safer than ever. The students and teachers believe in making a difference through actively joining the symposium on disaster preparedness.

Together we are not just a team. Perhaps through working together, we could keep ourselves safe as we all empower our school community and take one step ahead.

Disclaimer: All texts and pictures are my own unless otherwise stated.