In commemoration of Fire Prevention Month, The School of Environmental Science and Management-University of the Philippines Los Baños (SESAM-UPLB), in cooperation with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs (OVCCA)-Security and Safety Office (SSO) conducted a fire drill on March 18, 2024 at SESAM grounds.

On behalf of Dean Rico C. Ancog, Dr. Yusof A. Sucol, SESAM Research Division and Coordinator of the Climate and Disaster Risk Studies Center of UPLB, said during the opening program that by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 115, the Month of March was declared as is being observed as Fire Prevention Month. 

“This month-long campaign includes activities such as fire drills, seminars and information dissemination to educate the public on how to prevent fires and respond effectively in case of emergencies,” Dr. Sucol said. He added that with this initiative, there is a need to underscore that the responsibility for fostering a fire-safe UPLB-SESAM community is a shared responsibility, emphasizing everyone’s commitment to continuously conduct and intensify activities, which aims to raise awareness and preparedness leaving no individuals uninformed.

Lectures on fire safety and protection were also delivered by members of the University Police Force (UPF), led by the Deputy Director, Rene Melgar. “We would like to commend SESAM for this initiative as constant practice makes it perfect, fire drills should be a muscle memory,” said Deputy Director Melgar.

SSO Special Police Assistant Chief Jonathan D. Maliwat, gave an overview of the modules discussed by members of the SSO.He also presented a brief history of major fire incidents that happened not only in UPLB, but also in other UP campuses. For her part, Security Officer II Grizelda Penales-Marza gave some simple safety tips that SESAM faculty and staff can apply while in the office.

Special Policeman Alva Marie H. Tirones meanwhile discussed the campus fire protection system. The list of campus fire hydrants was enumerated by Special Police Lt. Pamela Mai R. Arquiza. Lastly, the guidelines for the conduct of fire drill in the campus was presented by Special Police Lt. Kristine Bernadette T. Matalog.

The lectures were followed by a hands-on demonstration on using the fire extinguisher and the water hose of the UPLB Fire Truck to extinguished and control fire. SESAM Researchers Gabriel Mamaril and Leanne Masungsong-Fernandez volunteered to try the fire extinguisher and the fire truck water hose, respectively. The fire drill and lectures were participated by more than 70 SESAM Faculty, Admin Staff, REPS, and project-based researchers.