SSS Baguio Hosts Fire Prevention and Disaster Preparedness Seminar
By: Roline Cabantoc and Jescilly Nils Viernes,BA English Language Studies, University of the Cordilleras
In Photo: Fire Prevention and Disaster Preparedness Seminar | May 29 — SSS employees listen attentively as SFO1 Preston Degway and FO1 Lara Kate T. De Guia of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Baguio, lead the Fire Prevention and Disaster Preparedness Seminar. The activity aims to strengthen workplace safety awareness and equip personnel with essential emergency response skills. SSS File Photo
BAGUIO CITY — The Social Security System (SSS) Baguio Branch convened a comprehensive Fire Prevention and Disaster Preparedness Seminar on the 5th floor of the SSS Building from 8:30 AM to 12:00 NN, equipping employees with essential safety knowledge and hands-on training.
Ms. Rosalie Maria Rachel Castaneto, Assistant Branch Head, opened the seminar with a warm welcome, outlining the day’s objectives and setting the tone for proactive learning.
Senior Fire Officer Preston Degway of the Baguio Bureau of Fire Protection started the seminar with a burst of energy, grouping attendees for a lively icebreaker that sparked enthusiasm and friendly competition. Participants were then engaged in an inspection of the building’s floor plans, fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency lighting—while reflecting on the question, “What does safety mean?” Mr. Degway emphasized, “Safety is everyone’s concern.”
Shifting to technical insights, he explained the three elements of fire—oxygen, heat, and fuel—and demonstrated via real-fire videos how removing any one element can stop a blaze. He also highlighted the lethal nature of smoke—“fast, hot, dark, and deadly”—noting that “90 % of fire-related deaths were due to suffocation.” Highlighting the critical window for intervention, he warned, “With little three minutes, the fire extent will be disastrous,”.
Next came a clear breakdown of fire classes, matched with the proper extinguishing techniques. As SF01 Degway guided the attendees through the four stages of fire development to stress the importance of early detection before flames become unmanageable. “Not every extinguisher works on every fire,” Officer Degway cautioned, as he cited 38 reported incidents so far this year—mostly caused by overloaded electrical outlets.
Following a morning break, Fire Officer Lara Kate De Guia demonstrated the correct selection and use of fire extinguishers and shared important safety tips. She stressed clear communication when reporting emergencies, advising responders to provide “Case, Help, Address (better to give landmark for easy location, name/name of patient and telephone number to easier locating and quick response).”
The practical segment featured a supervised hands-on drill in which participants extinguished a simulated LPG leak fire using dry-chemical extinguishers. The enthusiasm continued through a full-scale fire drill and earthquake drill inside the SSS building, involving employees, clients, and interns alike to ensure readiness for any contingency.
In her closing remarks, SSS CEO II Atty. Jessa Reen Bonilla encouraged staff to apply their new skills immediately: “All we learn today can hopefully be put into action once disaster comes. Let’s keep safe. The session concluded with the recognition of the outstanding speakers.
The seminar underscored the crucial role of awareness and preparedness in protecting lives and property, reaffirming the SSS Baguio Branch’s commitment to workplace safety and community resilience. ###
