SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Some 91 students from the University of Cagayan Valley (UCV) visited the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)-Fire Department (FD) as part of their educational tour last March 5 and 12, 2025.
According to SBMA Fire Chief Ranny D. Magno, “This group of UCV Criminology interns is the second batch of learners. The first batch was here last March 5. The educational tour is part of the Open Fire House Program for the 2025 Fire Prevention Month.”
“We chose to practice fire safety in the family and the community. The theme is for us to be aware of fire safety”, he added.
Fire Officer Kevin Cerezo provided a briefer on the importance of fire prevention month. Meanwhile, Magno, who supervised the activity, gave a lecture on fire prevention and protection.
During the demonstration, four participants experienced wearing firefighting equipment which consisted of bunker gear, boots, helmets, gloves, masks, and breathing apparatus.
To break the ice and add a little hype to the tour, the official mascot of the SBMA Fire Department, Sparky, challenged two female participants wearing firefighting equipment to a dance contest.
The students shared their appreciation from the learnings and new experiences they received, adding that their respect for firefighters and the sacrifices they do further heightened their admiration for the profession. They also cited the nobility of being a firefighter owing to the life-threatening risks that are entailed each time they respond to a fire call.
Jermaine Flores, a UCV instructor, commended the SBMA Fire Department as a perfect training venue for fire prevention and protection for succeeding UCV on-the-job training students.
The SBMA Fire Department is the key firefighting and emergency response force within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. It is popular for its quick response time and commitment to fire prevention, rescue operations, and customer service.