BOKOD, Benguet – In response to the recent spate of forest fires, SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet), in collaboration with the National Power Corporation (NPC), has conducted a three-day training on Forest Fire Response and First Aid & Basic Life Support from February 14-16, 2024, according to a press release.
The training aimed to enhance the awareness of the Bokod and Itogon communities about the threat of forest fires.
The exercises, which included simulations, were facilitated by experienced personnel from the Bureau of Fire (BFP), NPC-Upper Agno Watershed Area Team (UARWAT), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Residents of Itogon and Bokod, host municipalities of SNAP-Benguet’s Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants, participated in the training.
Over three days, experts discussed the devastating impact of forest fires and led practical sessions to equip participants with effective response skills, including basic first aid.
Forester Benjamin Kimmayong, UARWAT Watershed Management Chief, emphasized the importance of adopting an Incident Command System (ICS) and Quick Response Team (QRT) to manage and suppress forest fires.
He highlighted the negative impact of uncontrolled forest fires on the community and biodiversity.
According to a recent report by the Philippine News Agency, more than 20 forest fires have been recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) since January 2024, including those in the villages of Itogon and Bokod.
Since January, SNAP-Benguet has been coordinating with local government units of the affected host communities, the BFP, NPC, and other responders to contain forest fires in the area.
The company has also provided assistance such as fuel and food.
SNAP Group Chief Operations Officer Mike Hosillos expressed hope that the training would create more awareness and enable communities to take proactive measures to prevent forest fires.
“Early detection and containment can help prevent the spread, reduce damage, and reduce risk of injury and death from fires. SNAP-Benguet, together with our partners in the community, hope to build a collective defense against forest fires, ensuring the safety of people, livelihood, and the environment,” he said.
Recently, several forest fires have occurred in Baguio City and Benguet.
The Bureau of Fire Protection-Cordillera (BFP-CAR) reported that more than 300 hectares of forest in Baguio City and Benguet have been affected by these fires.
The worst hit was Sitio Banao and Sitio Bisal in Barangay Bobok, Bokod, with an estimated 200 hectares razed.
These forest fires have been attributed to the dry spell caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
The Office of the Civil Defense-Cordillera and the Philippine Air Force have been coordinating efforts to suppress the fires.
No casualties have been reported from the recent Baguio and Benguet forest fires.
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