The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) joined forces with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and private sector partners to officially launch Fire Prevention Month 2026. Held at the iconic Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe, the ceremony underscored a unified front against fire hazards under the evocative theme: “Sa pag-iwas sa sunog, hindi ka nag-iisa.” 

The event served as a call for shared responsibility, highlighting that fire safety is not the sole burden of the government, but a collective effort involving private entities and every Filipino citizen. Welcoming the partners and volunteers were BFP Chief Director Jesus P. Fernandez,  BFP Director for Fire Safety Enforcement FCSUPT Edwin P. Vargas, and BFP-NCR Regional Director FSSUPT Archie R. Andumang.

Representing the DILG leadership were Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs Atty. Maria Liavel C. Badillo-Crisostomo, and DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III. Their presence signaled the Department’s high-level commitment to prioritizing disaster preparedness and public safety at the grassroots level.

In her message of support, DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin highlighted the critical role of community involvement in the National Capital Region:

“Ang pag-iwas sa sunog ay nagsisimula sa tahanan. Nagsisimula ito sa disiplina at simpleng mga hakbang: maingat na paggamit ng kuryente at LPG, pag-iwas sa overloading ng saksakan, regular na pag-check ng mga kable at kagamitan, at pagtuturo sa ating pamilya ng tamang pag-iingat. Ang maliliit na responsableng kilos ng bawat isa ay nagiging makapangyarihang kolektibong aksyon kapag pinagsama-sama sa buong komunidad,” Regional Director Agustin said.

As guest of honor, Assistant Secretary Atty. Badillo-Crisostomo emphasized the power of the community in saving lives, and emphasized anti-dissemination efforts:

“Let us amplify our efforts in making our communities feel safer. It is our job in the government to make them aware of how they can help as we go hand-in-hand in making everyone build safe communities,” she mentioned. “Also, we should be guided by the right information. Amidst all the fake news peddlers and disinformation, we stand with you in championing accurate information, and by all of us participating, we can say to everyone that the government does its job and continues to work and grow with all of us together,” Assistant Secretary Badillo-Crisostomo emphasized.

SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group and SM Environment Program Director Engr. Liza B. Silerio expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the partners and volunteers who joined the cause of strengthening communication initiatives in making communities feel safe, especially this Fire Prevention Month 2026. 

The DILG and BFP urge the public to participate in amplifying the conversation on fire prevention, inspect home electrical systems, and remain proactive throughout the month of March and beyond. As the campaign message echoes, the journey toward a fire-free Philippines is a path that all communities should walk together.