Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC), in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Navotas City, conducted an orientation on “Fire Prevention and the Role of Women in Disaster Risk Management” as part of the month-long observance of the 2023 National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month, held at the PFDA-NFPC Gender and Development (GAD) Center on March 22, 2023.

Through the PFDA-NFPC GAD Technical Working Group, port employees learned about fire prevention and protection information to use in day-to-day activity and how to properly respond to fire incidents. Resource speakers from the BFP shared their knowledge about possible sources of fire and the dangers it may cause.

Also, the lecture discussed women's rights under the Magna Carta of Women and the important role of women during disasters.

According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, women are more than just victims of disasters. They are powerful agents of change, and they have unique knowledge and skills that are crucial when addressing or managing risks. However, the potential contributions that women can offer to the disaster risk reduction imperative around the world are often overlooked and female leadership in building community resilience to disasters is frequently disregarded. 

Moreover, BFP representatives held a demonstration of the proper use of fire extinguishers and fire truck hoses to immediately put out a fire. 

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with report and photos from Kristine Joy Tuazon, Mae Angelica Medina, and Rommel Quindoyos – PFDA-NFPC)