by Prof.  Ma. Teresa M. Cercado

                                                                                                             

Children can be vulnerable to the stress and trauma caused by disasters. Preparedness helps reduce their anxiety by giving them a sense of control and understanding of what to expect. When children know what to and have practiced it, they feel more secure and less frightened during an actual event.

Familiarity with emergency procedures can help children remain calm and collected. Preparedness plans often include practicing drills, which help children react automatically and efficiently, reducing panic and confusion during an actual event.  

Last July 28, 2024, the West Visayas State University, College of Nursing in cooperation with the Bureau of Fire protection (BFP), conducted the CON CARES Project Launching and the BFP and CON Cares collaboration for a "Kiddie Fire Square Roadshow." The College of Medicine Gym, which was the venue of the activity was transformed into a vibrant hub of learning and excitement for kids participating in the Disaster Preparedness Program. The event, designed to equip children with essential safety skills in a fun and interactive manner, was attended by numerous parents and their children who showed eagerness in enhancing preparedness in various emergencies. 

The morning session started with the registration of the participants. The opening ceremony commenced with a heartfelt prayer led by Prof. Emily Robite, setting a tone for reflection and readiness. Prof. Sheila P. Beliran then delivered a warm welcome address, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness and expressing gratitude to all participants, faculty extensionists and student organizations who assisted during the event.        

Mr. Andro Camposagrado and Mrs. Izanor Lyn Javier engaged the children with interactive methods to make safety fun and memorable. They discussed topics on safety principles of first aid which include bleeding, sprains, fractures and burns. They focused their lecture on practical advice and application of first-aid remedies in real-life scenarios.       

While the two groups listened to teh lecture discussion of Mr. Camposagrado and Mrs. Javier, another group participated in the hands-on disaster preparedness activities organized by the Special Rescue Fore and the Iloilo City  Fire Station Personnel, Burrea of Fire Protection. The activities include fire safety drills and safety obstacle course. 

Over-all, the Kiddie Fire Square Roadshow was a resounding success, providing valuable education and practical skills in a dynamic and enjoyable format. The enthusiastic participation of children and parents, combined with the expertise of speakers and emergency personnel ensured a memorable and impactful experience for all involved. 

Teaching children about disaster preparedness helps them develop critical life skills, including problem-solving, resilience and adaptability. These skills are not only useful during emergencies but also contribute to their over-all development and confidence in handling various life situations. Prepared children contribute to a more aware and prepared community. They can help share knowledge with peers and others, spreading important information about safety and preparedness, which strengthens over-all community resilience. By  integrating children into disaster preparedness, we not only protect their well-being but also foster a more resilient and informed generation.

At the break of dawn on July 27, 2024, the sun rose over the bustling street in front of West Visayas State University in Lapaz, Iloilo City signaling the beginning of a promising day for fire safety education. The CON CARES Project, in collaboration with the Bureau of Protection (BFP), launched the first day of the Kiddie  Fire Square Roadshow, a dynamic initiative aimed at educating children on fire safety through engaging activities.

The event commenced with the West Visayas State University College of Nursing (WVSU CON) Workforce, NSC,  SNAP officers,and The Lifeline staff welcoming BFP personnel children and parents from WVSU at the College of Medicine gym. The registration process ran smoothly and by 8:20 AM the program officially began with an opening prayer led by Mrs. Andelyn B. Espiritu, followed by the salute to the flag, the WVSU Hymn and the BFP Hymn.

Dr. Madonna S. Palmes, Dean of the College of Nursing delivered words of welcome. Prof. Sheila P. Beliran, the CON Extension Coordinator and CON CARES Project Leader shared the inspiring story of the CON CARES project. A video presentation showcased the success of CON CARES, established in 2019 in delivering assistance, IEC materials and health services at the grassroots level.

Inspiring Messages and Fire Safety Lectures

Inspiring messages were delivered by Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, VP for Research, Extension, and Innovation; Dr. Ricky P. Becodo, Director of University Extension and Development Center; Dir. Ian V. Sumagaysay, Director of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center; and FSSUPT Bartolome O. Beltran, Iloilo Provincial Fire Marshal of the BFP Region VI. They emphasized the importance of safety and preparedness.

BFP personnel provided lectures on fire safety, rope tying and fire extinguisher operation. They highlighted common causes of fires such as unattended electrical applications and ongoing efforts to educate the public on fire safety.

Hands-On Learning ad Fire Safety Lectures

The 55 children participants were divided into four groups. One group attended a first-aid lecture given by Dr. Albert C. Apilado and another group learned about fractures and injuries from Mr. Jevan Ben N.  Roquios, and the remaining two groups engaged in disaster preparedness simulation activities, facilitated by the Special Rescue Force and Iloilo City Fire Station Personnel, BFP VI. These included mock fire drills through EDITH (Exit Drills in the Home) where children donned firefighter uniforms and crawled through a maze designed to simulate real-life escape scenarios. 

After exiting the maze, the children participated in a thrilling wall-climbing activity which helped them develop spatial awareness, balance and hand-eye coordination. From the wall climb platform, they proceeded to a biplane cable, descending safely to another platform. BFP personnel supervised these activities, ensuring the children's safety throughout.

Reinforcing Fire Safety Knowledge

Following the physical activities, children practiced operating the extinguishers and remembering the TPASS technique, (pull, aim, squeeze and sweep). Groups rotated  between fire safety exercises and first-aid lectures, ensuring that all participants received comprehensibve training.

After completing the training, children took pictures with fire trucks ad received tokens including biscuit, candies, fire safety coloring books, crayons and BFP workbooks. Snacks ere distributed and parents/guardians and older children filled out evaluation forms, reflecting positive feedback on the morning session.

Extending the Reach

In the afternoon, 51 children from Magsaysay Village, Lapaz, Iloilo City underwent the same series of lectures and fire safety training. The Barangay Captain of Magsaysay Village, along with councilor Michael Gonzales and Mary Joy L. Federico, barangay treasurer, witnessed the training sessions. Parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate, appreciating the valuable fire safety lessons imparted to their children. 

The Kiddie Fire Square Roadshow Day 1, facilitated under the supervision of activity coordinator Mrs. Ivory S. Porras aimed to make fire safety both informative and enjoyable. Children eagerly asked  if they could return the next day, a testament to the initiative's success. Parents and children praised the roadshow for effectively conveying essential safety messages. One participant, Abby, stated "I had fun, and I'm more likely to remember what I learned." The participants had evaluated the training as excellent.

Making a Real Difference

The CON CARES' Kiddie Fire Square Roadshow is making a real difference in Iloilo City, equipping young minds with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in the event of a fire. By combining education with engaging activities, the roadshow ensures that children remember and apply these crucial safety lessons, contributing to a safer future for all.