Why Fire Prevention Month Makes Our Community Safer and Protected

March is the month when the weather gets warmer, and as the climate shifts, the alarming rate of fire incidents is also heating up the country.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), fire incidents in Metro Manila peak in March and April, with the highest recorded number reaching 22,301 in 2024. For this reason, fire volunteers like TXTFire Philippines want to remind everyone, this Fire Prevention Month, of our shared commitment to a fire-safe nation.

To champion the cause of Fire Prevention Month, let’s learn more about its mission and the volunteers who make our community safer and more protected.

What is Fire Prevention Month and Why It’s Important?

Fire safety is a year-round concern, but March is special because of its historical significance.

In 1966, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Proclamation No. 115‑A, declaring March as Fire Prevention Month as part of the Safety and Accident Prevention Year, designating 1967 and every year after to promote the cause.

To reinforce this effort, then-President Corazon Aquino signed Proclamation No. 360 in 1989, declaring March as “Burn Prevention Month”, an observance to raise public awareness about fire prevention and keep every home and community safe.

March was chosen for this campaign because rising temperatures and humidity increase the risk of fire incidents in many areas. This year, the BFP reminds Filipinos with the tagline: “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa” (In Fire Prevention, You Are Not Alone), highlighting their readiness in times of calamity.

Thanks to these proclamations and government support, volunteers across the country paved the way for TXTFire Philippines, a group of community leaders and technology enthusiasts advocating for faster, smarter emergency communication systems.

(The “Ube-Cheese” Firetruck | Photo from TXTFire Philippines Website) 

Who is TXTFIRE Philippines and what is their mission? 

Volunteering is indeed a selfless act because you extend a hand to other people without expecting something in return.

With this value, TXTFire Philippines was founded in 2002 under the leadership of philanthropist Gerry Chua, who is also the owner of Eng Bee Tin. The organization innovated SMS technology to enable faster responses during emergency situations in Manila.

Their mission is to enhance disaster response capabilities across the Philippines through advanced communication technology. Along with this, the foundation also aims to educate the public and train volunteers to make every day a fire prevention day.

Aiming to minimize the impact of disasters, TXTFire Philippines partners with fire volunteer brigades all over the country to establish a coordinated system during emergencies. Within these volunteer brigades are multiple firefighters and responders who are ready to take action when needed.

One example is the South San Nicolas Volunteer Fire Brigade, which you usually pass by when visiting Binondo, ready to protect its citizens. But there are also volunteers across the country who deserve to be championed as well.

TXTFire Philippines’ mission also includes community volunteer activities such as donation drives, strengthening partnerships with other fire brigades and institutions, and maintaining efficient communication during emergencies.

(Photo from South San Nicolas Volunteer Fire Brigade Facebook) 

Protecting the Community and Saving Lives

Being a volunteer requires dedication, courage, and sometimes a little sacrifice to make a positive change.

It is a noble act that protects the community you live in. This is exemplified by the firefighters and volunteers associated with TXTFire Philippines and volunteer fire brigades all over the country, who are all deserving of appreciation and applause.

This Fire Prevention Month, you can also be part of the cause by reaching out to your local fire brigades or by connecting with TXTFire Philippines and supporting their mission.

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