The Bureau of Fire Protection Nueva Vizcaya (BFP) sponsored the Flag Raising Ceremony on March 2, 2026, on the occasion of welcoming Fire Prevention Month. The BFP’s celebration included a rundown of the BFP’s accomplishments in 2025 by Fire Superintendent Pedro Espinosa, the presentation of recognitions to the supportive leadership, and the sashing of Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2025 Karen Mae Guieb as the NV BFP Ambassadress 2026.
The BFP marked a 22.73% decrease in fire incidents in 2025, having responded to 55 incidents compared to 2024’s 61. The BFP boasted a 100% completion rate on these incidents, from initial response to final investigation report. However, this did result in significant increase in damages incurred, from 21 million in 2024 to 25 million in 2025. One of the BFP’s mandates is to hold capability building trainings for barangay local government units as well as workplaces in fire suppression. The office has also increased its efforts in spreading awareness through IECs, imparting first-responder skills and giving fire prevention tips to LGUs.
In the recent Command Conference of BFP Region II, the NV BFP office garnered the following awards: Best Provincial Fire Safety Enforcement Section, Best Provincial Administrative Branch, Best Provincial Operations Branch, and the Top 1 Most Active Public Information Unit.
Espinosa reiterated the ‘perfect formula’ of ‘fire suppression plus fire prevention equals fire protection’, though emphasized that prevention is better than fire suppression. Espinosa emphasized the need for first responders, at least one person knowledgeable about fire suppression and prevention in any home, school, or working establishment.
The BFP went on to list their future undertakings, which include a five-year sunset review of the BFP’s modernization law implementation. The procurement of additional fire suppression apparatus such as fire ambulances, one of which may go to Alfonso Castañeda, is one of the BFP’s top priorities during this review. The BFP requested the assistance and support of the good leaders and collaborators of the PGNV in this venture.
In recognition of this support and assistance, the BFP recognized and presented these leaders with a certificate, including Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito and Provincial Jail Warden Carmelo B. Andrada. The latter part of the ceremony saw the sashing of Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2025 Karen Mae Guieb as the Nueva Vizcaya Bureau of Fire Protection Ambassadress, which the BFP also tied to the simultaneous celebration of National Women’s Month. Fire Prevention Month was then kicked off with a grand ceremony which included a motorcade through the province.
While recognized nationally, the tireless efforts of the BFP in fire prevention, protection, and education will continue to help in the prevention of fire incidents and the dispensation of appropriate support and due process to survivors, with the backing of the provincial government, for the safety of the province. /igmb
[This article was first created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]