Female firefighters showed their skills in rescue operations during the Bureau of Fire Protection National Capital Region (BFP-NCR) Skills Olympics 2022 on Monday, March 14.
The event, with the theme “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Di ka nag-iisa”, is in line with the Fire Prevention Month and the National Women’s Month celebrated every March. It was held at the bureau’s regional office in Cubao, Quezon City.
The participants were from the BFP- NCR’s five districts -- District 1 (Manila), District 2 (Caloocan, Malabon , Navotas, Valenzuela ), District 3 (Pasay, Makati, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa), District 4 (Marikina, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Mandaluyong, San Juan), District 5 (Quezon City).
The skills competition started with a “ceremonial” tug-of-war game where the women won against their male colleagues (one man and one woman for each district).
Five fire officers who were also mothers participated in a beauty pageant where they presented their sports attire and advocacies, and answered various questions.
During the event proper, groups of female firefighters competed in challenges such as assembling self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), passing through obstacles, and various relays where they were tasked to perform rescue activities.
Present at the event were Chief Supt. Gilbert Dolot, BFP-NCR regional director; Senior Supt. Edwin Vargas, deputy regional director for operations; Senior Supt. Jerome Reano, deputy regional director for administration; Senior Supt. Achilles Santiago, regional chief directorial staff; and Ms. Michelle Gumbao, beauty queen and volleyball athlete, who served as the guest of honor.
For her part, Gumabao reminded the firewomen to believe in themselves, encourage one another, and not to be afraid to lead and make change.
“Huwag na huwag niyo pong iisipin na di kayo magaling, lahat po natutunan. Pero ang confidence and ‘yung tiwala ninyo sa sarili ninyo, ‘yan po dapat ang laging nauuna (Never think that you are not good, everything can be learned. But confidence and your belief in yourselves should always come first),” she said.
The BFP-NCR Public Information Office said the results of the skills competition will be announced during their culminating activity at the end of the month.