DAGUPAN CITY – Six teams from the largest universities and colleges in the cities of Dagupan and Urdaneta competed with their talents and skills in firefighting and rescue in the first Inter-college Fire Olympics here on Monday.
Dagupan City fire marshal, Chief Inspector Georgian Pascua, in an interview, said the event was initiated by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) stations here and in Urdaneta City and the local government units with the aim to train college students on the traits of leadership, teamwork, and commitment.
“We need more responsible youths, sa ganitong edad matutunan na nila kung paano rumesponde sa emergencies (even at their age they would be able to learn how to respond on emergencies),” he said.
The participants were criminology students from University of Pangasinan, University of Luzon, Colegio de Dagupan, Panpacific University North Philippines, Lyceum Northern Luzon, and Urdaneta City University.
The teams, composed of a 12-man squad each representing their school, underwent several instances to showcase their skills.
“We focus on basic firefighting techniques such as hose relay, bucket relay, and the likes. The kids can use these skills in their schools and even in their homes when the need arises,” Pascua said.
Winners received cash prize and trophy, but the skills that the participants learned which they can apply in real-life situations are grander than the prizes, he noted.
Pascua extended his gratitude to the local government of Dagupan, headed by Mayor Belen Fernandez, for its full support to the activity.
Meanwhile, the BFP-Dagupan is set to stage a Junior Fire Olympics for younger students in March to coincide with the Fire Prevention Month.
“We will have more activities for the students to immerse themselves into. It will be a good learning experience for them,” Pascua said. (PNA)
