In a move to fulfill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster fire safety in schools, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) donated 56 fire extinguishers to Culiat High School in Quezon City on Wednesday, marking the start of a broader national initiative. 

Representing the DILG during the ceremonial turnover were DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla, DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando C. Puno, DILG Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs Maria Liavel C. Badillo-Crisostomo, DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, and Public Affairs and Communication Service (PACS) Director Atty. Salvacion Z. Baccay, CESO V. Also present were BFP Fire Chief Jesus P. Fernandez, CESE, BFP NCR Regional Director FCSupt. Jaime D. Ramirez, Quezon City Schools Division Superintendent Ms. Carleen S. Sedilla, CESO V and Culiat High School Principal Dr. Ammar N. Torrevillas.

This action follows the President’s recent visit to San Francisco High School, one of Quezon City’s oldest public schools, which was destroyed by fire just before the academic year began. In response, President Marcos pledged swift measures to safeguard students and communities during emergencies.

“This is a small yet essential effort from the DILG. It’s part of our everyday work to ensure your safety during any emergency,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said during the ceremonial handover.

With the donation, Culiat High School, home to approximately 2,000 students, now boasts a 1:1 ratio of fire extinguishers to classrooms, setting a benchmark for school preparedness and underscoring the government’s dedication to student safety.

“Today, we are grateful to see this promise come to life. Thank you to Secretary Remulla, Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Congresswoman Marivic Co-Pilar for supporting the creation of safe school environments,” said Carleen S. Sedilla, Superintendent of the Quezon City Schools Division, during the acceptance of the equipment.

From January to July 1, 2025, 8,195 fire incidents were reported nationwide—191 of them in Quezon City, including 15 involving educational institutions.

As part of the event, BFP personnel held a live demonstration on how to use a fire extinguisher, teaching the PASS technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Master Teacher Myrna Piedad and Grade 9 student Isabella Heart Cabra took part in the demonstration, helping raise fire safety awareness among the school community.

Secretary Remulla also highlighted that with the full rollout of the national 911 emergency hotline this month, Filipinos can expect an emergency response time of just three minutes nationwide.

“Ito po ang trabaho namin, to make you feel safe, to make everyone feel secure, to know that there is a government that responds to each and every one of you, that in times of need, the government is there for you, lalong-lalo na para sa ating mga estudyante,” Remulla emphasized.

The donation of fire extinguishers to Culiat High School marks a critical first step in realizing President Marcos’ commitment to safer schools and communities. This initiative reflects a clear message which is understanding that the safety of our students is a top priority. 

With the national rollout of the 911 emergency hotline and a growing focus on preparedness, the government is not only reacting to past tragedies, it is taking proactive steps to prevent future ones. As more schools follow Culiat High School’s example, this effort stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when national and local leaders work hand in hand for the protection and well-being of every Filipino learner.