Addressing Challenges Faced by Firefighters in Implementing Fire

Prevention Programs: Basis for Enhanced Fire Prevention Strategies in

Tiaong, Quezon

HUMSS (AB) – Machiavelli

Members:
Coronel, Jillian, R.
De Las Alas, Sharlov, C.
Malvega, Camille, I.
Samonte, Jesophat, R.

Research Adviser
SIR AL BURCE
 INTRODUCTION

Programs for preventing fires are essential for preserving lives, property, and
communities from the destructive effects of fires. Firefighters in the Philippines, as in many
other nations, are leading the charge in putting these initiatives into action and working nonstop
to reduce the risks connected with fire incidents. But even with their best efforts, firefighters face
a variety of obstacles that make it difficult to carry out fire prevention programs successfully.
Developing improved fire prevention strategies that are appropriate for local contexts requires an
understanding of and response to these issues.

The Philippine municipality of Tiaong, Quezon, has particular difficulties when it comes
to preventing fires. Proactive steps are required to effectively mitigate the risks associated with
fire incidents as urbanization and infrastructure develops at a faster rate. In addition to
responding to emergencies, firefighters in Tiaong are also expected to actively participate in
preventive measures to lessen the likelihood of fires.

The purpose of this study is to examine the difficulties of firefighters encounter when
putting fire safety measures into practice. The study aims to provide a thorough understanding of
the factors impeding the efficacy of fire prevention initiatives in the community by identifying
and analyzing these challenges. In addition, the study aims to investigate possible approaches
and measures to tackle these difficulties and improve the effectiveness of fire safety initiatives.
This study's importance stems from its capacity to educate legislators, fire departments, and other
pertinent parties about the unique challenges faced by firefighters in Tiaong, Quezon. The
research can aid in fostering the development of focused interventions and policies meant to
support the municipality's fire prevention efforts by clarifying these difficulties. Additionally, the
study's conclusions might be used to improve already-in-use fire safety tactics and launch fresh
programs customized for Tiaong, Quezon.

This study will use a quantitative approach in order to accomplish its goals. Firefighters
or fire department officials will be questioned about their experiences, viewpoints, and
perceptions of fire using qualitative methods by using survey questionnaires. By addressing these
dimensions of fire prevention challenges, this research aims to generate actionable insights and
recommendations for enhancing fire prevention strategies in Tiaong, Quezon. By collaborating
with stakeholders, including firefighters, fire department officials, local government authorities,
and community members, the research endeavors to foster a collective effort toward building a
safer and more resilient community. Ultimately, the findings of this study have the potential to
contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and interventions that can mitigate the
risk of fires and protect the lives and livelihoods of the residents of Tiaong, Quezon.

In conclusion, this study aims to close a significant gap in the literature by examining the
difficulties firefighters encounter when putting fire prevention programs into action in Tiaong,
Quezon. The study intends to improve the community's resilience against fire risks and
ultimately contribute to the security and well-being of its inhabitants by bringing these issues to
light and offering viable solutions.
 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is a Department of the Interior and Local
Government agency in charge of implementing national firefighting and prevention policies, as
well as enforcing the Philippine Fire Code (PD 1185), which has been repealed and replaced by
the New Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514). Formerly known as the Integrated National
Police Fire Service, the BFP administers and manages municipal and city fire and emergency
services throughout the country. The department’s mission is to commit to prevent and suppress
destructive fires, investigate its causes; enforce Fire Code and other related laws; respond to
man-made and natural disasters and other emergencies. Meanwhile, its vision is a modern fire
service fully capable of ensuring a fire-safe nation by 2034 (Republic of the Philippines, BFP).
According to Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, which was signed into law in 1966,
then-Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared March as Fire Prevention Month in
response to the alarming number of fire-related incidents that occurred specifically in March.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) requires local governments to
organize and participate in Fire Prevention Month events in their respective cities.
Every March, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) celebrates Fire Prevention Month.
During this time, the BFP emphasizes the importance of fire safety and prevention, teaching
residents how to better protect their homes and communities from fire hazards. The BFP-10
delivers fire safety lectures in schools, workplaces, and communities to educate people on fire
prevention and safety. These lectures cover topics like fire hazards, emergency preparedness, and
evacuation protocols. Fire drills are an essential part of fire safety education.
Moreover, the BFP-10 organizes fire drills in schools and workplaces to help students
and employees prepare for emergencies and learn how to evacuate safely. The BFP-10 inspects
buildings and facilities to ensure that they are in compliance with fire safety standards. This
includes checking for fire hazards, ensuring that fire exits are easily accessible and well-marked,
and ensuring that fire suppression equipment is working properly. The BFP-10 promotes
community outreach through a variety of activities such as fire safety fairs, parades, and
exhibitions.
In implementing the fire prevention program, the Bureau of Fire Protection is inevitably
faced with problems that could involve the community’s lack of engagement which could
discredit the program’s effectiveness. Other problems lie in the department’s insufficiency in
terms of natural resources, capital, manpower, and other unnamed problems.
In the speech of Chief Supt. Felixberto Abrenica, BFP director of operations, stated that
bureau personnel should be visible to the public even after March when the entire country
celebrates Fire Prevention Month. Abrenica is in Cebu to supervise the Central Visayas version
of the simultaneous kick-off ceremony of the Fire Prevention Month 2022 with the theme "Sa
Pag-iwas sa Sunog Hindi Ka Nag-iisa" at the BFP-Region 7 headquarters on N. Bacalso Avenue
is here. He encourages them to be more visible in their communities and to embark on programs
and activities that will make the public feel safe and secure. Abrenica said reading a message from
BFP chief, director Louie Puracan, who urged firefighters in the region to engage with schools,
children, and other civic leaders to initiate fire safety programs and activities, as well as train
them for emergency response.
According to the Philippine News Agency in a television interview from 2022, BFP
spokesperson Supt. Annalee Carbajal-Atienza said 13,029 fires were reported from January 1 to
December 26, which is 4.02 percent lower than the 13,574 recorded during the same period in
2021. While the number of fires in the country decreased, Atienza reported an increase in the
number of fires caused by firecrackers or fireworks.
According to records, 19 incidents involving fireworks or firecrackers were reported in
2022, up from seven the previous year. Atienza urged the public to refrain from using
firecrackers and fireworks and instead watch the fireworks displays organized by their local
government units to celebrate the New Year. She urged the public to avoid the dangers posed by
firecrackers and instead use improvised noisemakers to welcome the New Year. She also
recommended that every family conduct an emergency drill at home so that they are prepared to
respond to potential fires. “Families should talk about the location of fire extinguishers and fire
exits as well as what to do in case of fire,’’ she said.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) faces numerous challenges while implementing its
fire prevention program. One significant issue is a lack of public awareness and compliance with
fire safety regulations, which leads to an increased number of preventable fires. Furthermore,
insufficient funding and resources limit the BFP's ability to effectively carry out preventive
measures such as inspections, fire safety education, and maintenance of firefighting equipment
and infrastructure. Furthermore, bureaucratic red tape and insufficient coordination among
government agencies frequently cause delays in the implementation of fire safety initiatives.
Furthermore, rapid urbanization and informal settlements present unique challenges to fire
prevention efforts, as cramped living conditions and inadequate infrastructure heighten the risk
of fire outbreaks. Addressing these multifaceted challenges necessitates a comprehensive
approach that includes public education, resource allocation, interagency collaboration, and
proactive urban planning strategies.
This is why this study is specifically focused on such problems encountered by the BFP
in conducting the Fire Prevention Program in Tiaong, Quezon. This study will utilize a
quantitative method to statistically analyze the BFP personnel’s responses to devise a feasible
action plan to aid the problems encountered by them. In doing so, the researchers will be guided
to form a survey questionnaire for the respondents.
Finally, its output to provide a solution by devising and proposing an action plan will aid
the encountered problems by the BFP in order to successfully improve the firefighters’ working
conditions and therefore fulfill the department’s mission by maintaining the people’s safety and
keeping the environment functional.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INDEPENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

The Fire Prevention

Programs in Tiaong, Challenges faced by the
Quezon Firefighters in Implementing
Programs
 Community Fire
Protection Plan
 Community Fire
Auxiliary Group
 Fire Safety Drill &
Seminar
 BFP TV Online
Live Show
 Oplan Ligtas na
Pamayanan on the
Road

Fig. 1. The independent and dependent variables of the research.

Figure 1 represents the study’s conceptual framework wherein it utilized the
independent and dependent model. The independent variable is the fire prevention programs in
Tiaong, Quezon. On the other hand, the dependent variable is the challenges faced by the
firefighters in implementing the fire prevention programs.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This research aims to address the challenges faced by firefighters in implementing fire
prevention programs and provide a basis for enhanced fire prevention strategies. By identifying
the specific obstacles that firefighters encounter in their efforts to prevent fires, this study seeks
to develop effective strategies and interventions to overcome these challenges.
The ultimate goal is to improve the efficiency and success of fire prevention programs,
ultimately reducing the occurrence of fires and enhancing public safety. Moreover, here are the
following specific questions that will be essential to the research topic:
 1. What is the level of awareness of the residents from the selected barangays about the
fire prevention programs such as:
1.1. Community Fire Protection Plan
1.2. Community Fire Auxiliary Group
1.3. Fire Safety Drill & Seminar
1.4. BFP TV Online Live Show
1.5. Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan on the Road
2. What are the challenges met by the BFP personnel in implementing fire prevention
programs?
2.1. Community Fire Protection Plan
2.2. Community Fire Auxiliary Group
2.3. Fire Safety Drill & Seminar
2.4. BFP TV Online Live Show
2.5. Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan on the Road
3. What action plan can be proposed to address the problems faced by the BFP in the
implementation of the Fire Prevention Program in Tiaong, Quezon?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research will benefit the following stakeholders:

To the students. For pupils studying fire science, emergency management, or related
fields, this investigation provides a practical understanding of the real-world challenges that
firefighters face. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and
the practical application of fire prevention strategies in the field.
To the community. The research findings can be employed to guide community
education as well as outreach efforts aimed at raising fire safety awareness. Communities can
foster a better understanding of the critical nature of fire prevention and encourage residents to
take proactive steps by raising awareness of the obstacles that firefighters face. This could
include fire safety workshops, public service announcements, and community events centered on
fire prevention.
To the teachers. The study can help teachers understand the practical challenges that
firefighters face. This knowledge can help them with their professional development by keeping
them up on the latest industry trends, standard procedures, and emerging challenges related to
fire safety and response to emergencies.
To the future researchers. Researchers can develop and improve research
methodologies to examine fire prevention issues, such as qualitative interviews, surveys,
observational research, and data analysis techniques. Future studies that use rigorous research
methods can improve the validity, reliability, and generalizability of their results, thereby
contributing to the general efficacy of research in the field.
To the school administration. Understanding the challenges that firefighters face helps
school administrators cultivate extensive emergency preparedness plans. Administrators may
better prepare staff and students to respond to fire emergencies, decrease potential hazards, and
minimize the adverse effects of fires on school communities by integrating study findings into
emergency response protocols.
To the BFP personnel. The study's findings may have an impact on resource allocation
decisions within the BFP, assisting in distributing funding as well as assets for areas recognized
to be essential in implementing fire prevention programs. This includes investing in the training,
equipment, facilities, and workforce support systems essential to effectively address identified
challenges.
To the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government). The study provides a
foundation for assessing the efficacy of current fire prevention initiatives while pinpointing areas
for improvement. DILG can use research findings to generate metrics for performance, conduct
conventional evaluations, and track progress in addressing identified challenges over time, thus
guaranteeing accountability and driving continual advancement in fire prevention.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the issues faced by firefighters in
implementing fire prevention programs. There are approximately twenty-three (23) Bureau of
Fire Protection on the department’s organizational chart. However, the researchers will be
selecting fifteen (15) BFP personnel taking into account their hectic schedule at work.
The researchers will distribute survey questionnaires for data gathering. The respondents
that will be purposively selected must be the staff members stationed at Tiaong, Quezon
irrespective of the duration of their posting in the locale. The objective is to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by firefighters in these specific areas.
These respondents will be selected based on their direct involvement and experience in fire
prevention programs.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
 The following terms were defined conceptually/operationally for easier understanding
and to avoid ambiguous meanings to terms that can be otherwise interpreted in other ways.

Awareness. The state or ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of events, objects,

or sensory patterns.
BFP TV Online Live Show. A platform for the distribution of fire safety knowledge, the
holding of instructional events, or public discussions on issues pertaining to community safety,
emergency response, and fire prevention.
Community Fire Auxiliary Group. A volunteer-run organization that helps local fire
departments and firefighters. These organizations are frequently made up of trained
volunteers who offer a range of emergency services, including crowd control, first aid,
logistical support, and community education about fire safety.
Community Fire Protection Plan. An extensive plan created by local fire authorities to
prevent and lessen fire incidents within a particular community or area.
Firefighting. A profession aimed at controlling and extinguishing fire.
Fire Prevention. This means any activities and/or conditions to prevent an outbreak of
fire and the losses of lives and properties in case of fires
Fire Safety Drill & Seminar. is used to describe a structured program created to teach
people and organizations about fire safety, readiness, and response techniques.
Implementation. An act or instance of implementing something: the process of making
something active or effective
Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan on the Road. is an initiative to promote road safety and
prevent traffic accidents that was started by the Philippine government through the Bureau of
Fire Protection (BFP) and other pertinent agencies to inform drivers, pedestrians, and other road
users of the value of adhering to traffic laws and regulations, driving defensively, and taking
other steps to lower the risk of collisions and injuries while driving.

The Bureau of Fire Protection. The government body in the Philippines responsible for
the provision of fire services. It is under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and
Local Government.
 Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES AND LITERATURE

This chapter covers the review of related studies and literature that are pertinent to this
investigation. To give the background information required to strengthen the purpose of this
study, the researchers reviewed existing literature.

In the study entitled “Epidemiological Assessment of Fires in the Philippines, 2010-2012” by

Velasco (2013). He stated that fires are the most costly preventable emergency in the Philippines
but are relatively unstudied. Fires were a greater problem from 2010 to 2012 and affected the
same geographic locations. A total of 883 fires and 824 fire-related casualties were reported,
majority of which occurred throughout November to March, were more frequent from midnight
to 3 a.m., and most often involved residential areas. No improvement in the fire situation was
noted for 2010 to 2012. Thus, there is a need to review present local and national efforts at fire
prevention and control. Further research and analysis of causes and determinants of fire would
provide more useful information for fire prevention policy and planning in the Philippines.
Republic Act No. 6975 created the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as an attached bureau to the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). BFP envisions a modern fire service
fully capable of ensuring a fire-safe nation by 2034. The BFP modernization program seeks to
upgrade the government’s firefighting capability to include fire protection services for buildings
and structures, including forests, airports, ships and vessels docked at wharves. This is aligned
with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11 of the global indicator framework in making
cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. As reported by Ramos
(2021), Senate approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to strengthen and modernize the
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). It seeks to provide the bureau with modern firefighting tools
and life-saving equipment, more employees, and training. It also sought to raise the standard to
make it at par with those in other countries. In line with the modernization (BFP HOA, 2019),
the agency continue to upgrade and improve the efficiency, transparency and public involvement
by ammending RA 9514 also known as Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008. The Philippine
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is a government body tasked with suppressing and preventing
damaging fires, enforcing related laws, and providing emergency medical and rescue services.
However, in a conflagration-prone country like the Philippines, the BFP confronts an uphill
battle in carrying out its responsibilities. (Aquino,Quilana & Avila, 2017). According to De Guia
(2015), the Bureau of Fire Protection Operational Procedures was created to present what every
fire officers strategies and learning have in common in the form of “General Procedures”. These
procedures tell how they ought to perform their “core” duties at its necessary minimum. Having
said that, the procedures in the manual do not prevent them from implementing strategies. It
helps to ensure the delivery of a standard level or quality of output, regardless of respective
styles, approaches or strategies, in conducting operations. However, Bureau of Fire personnel has
created a fire prevention programs in order to enhance the safety of individuals.
A fire prevention program is necessary to diminish the fire disaster rate in the
Philippines, which, is in constant change in the industry, and so the firefighting capability must
keep up with advancements in technology and society. Enforcement of fire safety must be
proactive and efficient. As a result, in the fire service and fire prevention industries, the
enactment of Republic Act No. 9514, which amended Presidential Decree No. 1185, popularly
known as the Fire Code of the Philippines, was both welcomed and expected. With the
implementation of RA 9514, many of the problems that afflicted the PD 1185 era were corrected.
Some that remained, though, seemed to evolve over time (Lamudi, 2023).
The Bureau of Fire Protection enforces the law to maintain public safety and economic
development by preventing and suppressing all types of damaging fires. It is commonly referred
to as the Fire Code of the Philippines or the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA
9514 which was approved by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on December 19, 2008.
A study by Arnilla, E., et. al., (2019) called “Problems Encountered By the Bureau of
Fire Protection Personnel in Fire Suppression at Novaliches, Quezon City” wherein the study
assessed the issues that the personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) faced in fighting
fires, with a focus on issues that arose and were faced when fighting fires at Novaliches, Quezon
City. Due to the devastating effects of fire, the R.A. 6975 and DILG-funded Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) was established (also referred to as the DILG Act of 1990), is primarily
responsible for preventing and extinguishing destructive fires on homes, buildings, and other
structures.
Furthermore, the descriptive method of research was used in this study to fully
characterize and identify the issue that BFP personnel in Novaliches, Quezon City, encountered
with fire suppression. Because it made it possible to describe the respondents' current status,
traits, nature, and characteristics in both quantitative and qualitative terms, this specific method
and technique was selected. Moreover, it also demonstrated notable variations in the research
conditions. Several demographic profiles are used to describe the responders. The vast majority
of respondents are over 36 years old; 90% are men; 65% are married; 100% have a college
degree; and 35% have served for either one to five years or six to ten years.
The study pulled several major problems encountered by the BFP personnel in
suppressing fire in Novaliches City such as personnel, logistics, finances, and traffic congestion
which was assessed as ‘serious’. It also included the level of implementation by the Bureau of
Fire Protection that is deemed highly implemented in terms of the seminar, real demonstration,
certificate issuance, and community relations. A few recommendations were made in order to
address the issues that the Bureau of Fire Protection was having at Novaliches, Quezon City, and
they were ‘highly recommended’. The study's findings can be applied to optimize the Bureau of
Fire Protection Personnel's implementation in Novaliches, Quezon City, and help resolve issues
that arise. This will assist them in identifying the aspects of the issue that require further
investigation and prompt resolution.
Fire departments respond to many incidents in an effort to preserve lives and safeguard
important materials, but they face many challenges that make their work risky and challenging
for both the firefighters and the people they are trying to save (Veszprémi, & Pántya, 2021).
It is evident that fire incidents are very expensive. According to Adegboro and Ojoye
(2019), it causes suffering and death for the victims, wastes time, money, and materials, and
damages buildings and equipment. Fire incidents have grown to be a major issue for the
Philippines in recent years since they have an impact on the nation's socioeconomic development
(Asor, Padallan, Sapin, Lerios, & Buama, 2021).
Due to the Bureau of Fire Protection's (BFP) limited resources and low technological
advancements, firefighting operations in the Philippines take too long to complete; this poor
performance increases damage to the point where it is nearly impossible to save every life
affected by the fire incident (Zadeh, Abdulwakil, Amar, Durante, & Santos, 2021).
According to a qualitative study by Lagata, S., et., al., (2022), “Challenges Encountered
and Insights of the Bureau of Fire Protection Personnel Towards Responding Fire Incident”,
investigated the difficulties the Ozamiz City BFP faced when responding to fire incidents. The
phenomenological research design was employed. The Bureau of Fire Protection in Ozamiz City,
Misamis Occidental, took an active role in it. The Transcendental Phenomenological Reduction
proposed by Moussakas was used to analyze the interview responses. Five themes emerged from
this study: (1) scarcity in responding to fire incidents, (2) arduous work requiring both
psychological and physical strength; (3) work-related frustration; (4) cooperation and
collaboration in fire safety and prevention; and (5) serving the people.
At the first theme, the lack of resources, including fire trucks, apparatus, personal
protective equipment (PPE), and manpower, can pose a significant challenge and impediment to
firefighters' ability to carry out their duties in an efficient and effective manner, both before and
after a fire incident. The economic concept of scarcity, which is synonymous with severe
shortage, describes the discrepancy between the supply of finite resources and the theoretical
demands of humankind for those resources (Cannon, 2019). These are clear from the interview's
outcomes carried out.
In addition, one of the challenges faced by BFP personnel was a manpower shortage.
Other difficulties encountered in responding to fire incidents included a lack of firefighting
apparatus, a firetruck, a limited supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), and a limited
number of fire hydrants (Cicione, 2019). Additionally, the community's unfavorable opinion of
firefighters and certain locations, particularly informal settlements with limited accessibility
because of congested, tiny streets and roads (Urban, 2022).
In the second theme, participants typically find arduous work to be very challenging
because it requires a lot of mental and physical stamina, which impacts their ability to respond.
While being fatigued and dizzy at work is common, there are some jobs that call for employees
to put in a lot of effort, which could impair their physical and mental stamina while carrying out
their responsibilities, especially when responding to fire situations (Johnston, 2017). Because of
the nature of their work, firefighters are subject to a wide range of occupational stressors. The
outcomes of the conducted interview make these clear.
Also, in the third theme, the majority of respondents in this study express dissatisfaction
with their jobs or with themselves, which can have a detrimental effect on firefighters' output.
Anger can result in indifference, failure, and a diminished desire to work. It can lead to feelings
of unhappiness, inadequacy, melancholy, or aggression, which eventually affects one's faith and
motivation to work. Positively confronting staff members can have a detrimental effect on the
workplace.
The fourth theme, upon looking into the information, the BFP personnel emphasize the
importance of collaboration and cooperation with local authorities, local government units
(LGUs), and civilians to maintain safety and create a firefighting plan. Alternative methods
include encouraging volunteer fire departments and training more Brgy. Tanod personnel.
Maintaining active public engagement, promoting fire safety, and increasing force multipliers are
also crucial. The fourth theme highlighted is the importance of community collaboration in
planning, executing, and training locals for a safer community.
The BFP staff interprets the fifth theme, which suggests that serving others is a sign of
patriotism. Providing the highest caliber of service and being completely honest with people is
necessary to create a community that is safe and tranquil. The respondent emphasized the
importance of doing good in simple ways, such as opening doors, engaging in conversations,
writing thank-you notes, or letting people in. They believed that everyone could make a
difference by taking action, making a comment, or making thoughtful gestures. They believed
that performing a small act of service once a day would not only benefit those around us but also
themselves (Alberti, 2017; Harari, 2020).
In conclusion from this study, the lack of resources for responding to fire incidents, hard
labor, job dissatisfaction, teamwork in fire safety and prevention, and serving the public can all
be lessened by increasing the number of resources available, enhancing the effectiveness of
already-existing sources, and limiting the use of ineffective ones. Exercise was encouraged for
firefighters while they were on the job. Regular physical training participants had a lower risk of
suffering a major injury on the fire scene. By updating their machinery and giving their staff
training, the bureau's modernization law helps to address these issues.
Plans might also be their initial move in building a connection with the community to
offer talks and seminars about their personal safety in the event of a fire. The best way to
overcome the difficulties associated with a fire incident is to avoid individuals who act violently
during a fire, to always be approachable in the community for our safety, and to always be
patient with those who act hostilely during a fire. Additionally, trained individuals outperform
unskilled firefighters at job-specific tasks. Therefore, it is advised that firefighters participate in
an exercise program.
According to a journal by Damuag, E., et., al., (2017) titled, “Firefighting Practices of
Bureau of Fire Protection Personnel in Cebu City” " the purpose of firefighting exercises is to
teach the people of the community and the employees of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
about the dangers of fire. The commitment and skill of the BFP officers alone will determine
how well they handle the challenge of fighting fires. In this study, its purpose was to evaluate the
Bureau of Fire Protection employees' firefighting techniques. A descriptive research design was
used, with questionnaires and follow-up interviews. The Bureau of Fire Protection at the Pardo,
Sawang Calero, Parian, and Mabolo Fire Stations in Cebu City were the research study's
respondents. The data collected from the respondents was analyzed using ANOVA and a
straightforward percentage-weighted mean.
The results showed that, despite a few minor equipment shortages, the BFP personnel
were still able to effectively handle the needs of the public to put out the fire with the assistance
and cooperation of other firefighting personnel. It was determined that firefighting abilities are
more important than the caliber of the tools employed. The investigators highly advise
conducting additional research to support the preliminary findings.
A recent study by Korata, B., et. al., (2023) titled, “Determining factors affecting
perceived effectiveness among Filipinos for fire prevention preparedness in the National Capital
Region, Philippines: Integrating Protection Motivation Theory and extended Theory of Planned
Behavior”, focuses on a broader population that aims to identify the elements that have a major
impact on Filipinos' perceptions of their ability to prevent fires in urban areas by integrating
“Protection Motivation Theory” and the extended “Theory of Planned Behavior”.
The Protection Motivation Theory or PMT was defined by Rogers and Prentice-Dunn,
(1997) and was first created to explain people's reactions to communications that incite fear of
health threats, or "fear appeals. "The drive to defend oneself against a health risk is known as
protection motivation, and it is typically operationally defined as the desire to follow advice.
Meanwhile, the Theory of Planned Behavior, which is used to explain and forecast
behavior, holds that intentions and, in some cases, perceived behavioral control immediately
determine behavior. Subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes toward the
behavior all play a role in determining behavioral intentions (Kan & Fabrigar, 2017).
Going back to the related study, a self-administered online survey questionnaire was
distributed to 503 Filipino residents of the National Capital Region, Philippines, who voluntarily
answered the questions. The results of the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach
demonstrated the significant effects on fire prevention knowledge (KFP) of media platforms
(MP), fire experience (FE), and fire insurance policies (FI). Additionally, the variables FE, FI,
and KFP demonstrated significant effects on perceived vulnerability (PV) and perceived severity
(PS), which in turn influenced attitude toward the behavior (ATB) and perceived behavioral
control (PBC). Safe behavior (SB) and perceived effectiveness (PE) were found to be
significantly impacted by PBC, ATB, and SN variables, which were found to influence
subjective norm (SN). This paper represents the first investigation of the existing fire mitigation
strategies in the Philippines.
Through the integration of PMT and the extended TPB, the study sought to identify the
variables that significantly influence Filipinos' perceptions of their efficacy in mitigating urban
fires. The study's representative sample specifically took into account the younger generation,
which includes students and working-class people. The goal of this study was motivated by the
Fitzgerald-McGowan discussion, which suggested that younger generations could learn fire
mitigation skills that they could then use as they grew older, creating a continuous cycle.
Researchers and legislators will find the findings useful in developing a strong future fire
mitigation intervention to raise public awareness of fire safety and preparedness. Lastly, it is
possible to determine the effectiveness of fire mitigation globally by extending and modifying
the SEM constructs used in this study.
An article by Umali, V. (2021), where it looks at the purpose of the study “Level of
Compliance by the Bulacan State University with the Fire and Safety Requirements of the Law”
to evaluate how effectively each building at Bulacan State University's (BulSU) Main Campus
complies with the Philippine Fire Code. The risks and hazards that fire presents to its
stakeholders do not exempt the education sector. As a matter of fact, school administrators have
a primary responsibility to protect students from harm and to avoid any fatal accidents on school
property. It is crucial that fire safety measures are implemented in school buildings. These
buildings house a large number of children and young adults who require supervision in case of
an emergency or crisis. When a school fire occurs, the damage could be disastrous. This type of
harm includes property damage, fatalities, and potential shutdowns of educational institutions.
Buildings for schools must be constructed with great care considering that they play a vital role
in the development of both present and future generations. They have a significant impact on
children's personality and academic growth.
Moreover, the goal of this study was to collect, characterize, evaluate, and interpret
information about the buildings at Bulacan State University's Main Campus. It did this by using
the descriptive method of research. The approach is suitable for serving as the foundation for this
investigation into whether all of the university's current buildings comply with fire and safety
regulations. As a guide for updating the fire and safety systems of the buildings, this study
assessed the coverage of the Fire and Safety Requirements of the Fire Code of the Philippines
(P.D. 1185 with Republic Act 9514) as it is being implemented in the university.
The main goal of the study was to evaluate how well the university complies with these
laws. If there are any gaps in how the laws are being implemented, the data from the survey and
inspection checklist respondents from this study may be used to make recommendations or
suggestions. It showed the most serious issues with BulSU's code-breaking are its ignorance of
the fire and safety regulations, the absence of a fire brigade team or other official staff designated
to monitor and maintain the regulations, and the lack of the necessary regulatory permit
requirements, such as building permits and occupancy permits, which have been put in place by
the local government units. One reason why each building had either too few or no safety items
was non-compliance.
In accordance with this study, BulSU's overall average percentage of compliance is
68.30%, and there are a number of issues with BulSU's compliance with the code's requirements.
In fact, the University is having trouble keeping the buildings in compliance with the legal
requirements for standard safety features. The BulSU organizations must work together to
guarantee complete compliance with the code in order to improve the current state of the
university's buildings. This effort must be implemented as soon as possible.
Urrutia et al. (2018) and Balahadia and Trillanes (2017) analyzed fire incidents from
2018-2022 using multiple linear regression and MATLAB. They found that faulty electrical
connections, spontaneous combustion, and unattended cooking/stove were the top causes of fires.
Open flames and unattended candles also contributed to incidents. Bringula and Balahadia
(2019) suggested changing perceptions about unattended cigarette butts and requiring
government support for standard electrical wiring designs. Fire departments respond to numerous
cases to save lives and protect valued materials while countless obstacles make the task difficult
and dangerous for both firefighters and those in need of rescue (Veszprémi, &Pántya, 2021). The
cost of fire incidents is obviously enormous. It results in pain and death of victims, waste of time,
money, and materials, and damage to equipment and structures (Adegboro&Ojoye, 2019).
For the past years, fire incidents have become a big problem for the Philippines, since it
affect the socio-economic growth of the country (Asor, Lerios, Sapin, Padallan, &Buama, 2021).
Firefighting operations in the Philippines take too much time to finish due to the minimal
resources and low upgrades in technologies in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP); the poor
performance results in increased damage that makes it close to impossible to save all of the lives
affected by the fire incident (Zadeh, Abdulwakil, Amar, Durante, & Santos, 2021.
In addition, the shortage of manpower was one of the obstacles faced by the BFP
personnel and lack of firefighting apparatus, fire trucks, limited supply of personal protective
equipment (PPE), and limited number of fire hydrants are the challenges encountered in
responding to fire incidents (Cicione, 2019). This is related to this study because we are also
aiming to identify the different obstacles faced by the BFP in terms of implementing fire
prevention programs. Limited resources are one of the challenges they face today since fire
departments often have budget constraints, staffing shortages, and inadequate equipment, which
can hinder their ability to effectively implement fire prevention programs. Without sufficient
resources, firefighters may struggle to conduct inspections, provide education, and respond
promptly to fire hazards.
According to an article discussed by Gabrielle, R. (2023), “Residential Fire Prevention
and Safety Guide”, when it comes to house fires, time is of the essence. It only takes two minutes
for a fire to become dangerous. A house can go up in flames in five minutes. Naturally,
prevention is equally crucial. Over the course of five years, from January 1, 2018, to January 1,
2023, 11,180 home fire deaths in the US were reported by the media. Almost all of them could
have been prevented. Families and locals must learn about the different fire safety techniques,
the main causes of house fires, and how fire spreads. Although there have been fewer fire deaths
in recent years due to awareness, the number is still quite high, particularly when you consider
that residential fires are preventable.
The majority of the time, human activity starts fires. For this reason, it is crucial that
people understand their roles in relation to fire safety. In the event of a fire, people's actions will
also determine whether they can safely evacuate the building or their home in time. The
likelihood of a fire starting is decreased when people practice fire safety.
Additionally, having knowledge of what to do in the event of a fire reduces the number of
casualties or fatalities. The Community Fire Safety system must be the main strategy for raising
fire safety awareness. This needs to be accomplished by national and European fire safety
campaigns, in addition to governments and fire rescue services putting it into practice on a daily
basis. In order for Community Fire Safety to be successful, an efficacy measurement system
needs to be put in place. Furthermore, more scientific studies are needed to determine the best
ways to encourage people to behave in a fire-safe manner.
To ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, families, and communities, it is
imperative to recognize the significance of residents' awareness in fire prevention. Residents can
mitigate the risk of fires and lessen the possible harm and damage they may cause by being
proactive and knowledgeable about fire prevention measures (Roland, 2020).
According to a study by Nimlyat, S., et., al., (2017) called “An Evaluation of Fire Safety
Measures in High-Rise Buildings in Nigeria”, buildings in Nigeria nowadays face several issues,
particularly high-rise structures, which present fire safety challenges due to their height and
longer vertical travel distance for egress and access. According to common knowledge and
experience, fire disasters are among the most frequent and catastrophic events in the world. Over
time, it has proven to be a troubling issue, particularly in developing nations.
Goals and objectives like occupant protection, fire prevention, and fire control are
examples of fire safety; these are typically covered in the building code's introduction and other
fire safety laws (Rasbash, Ramachandran, Kandola, Watts, & Law, 2004).
There has not been much focus on evaluating building fire safety measures, particularly
in developing countries like Nigeria. The majority of studies have ignored fire safety in favor of
focusing on particular high-rise building performance issues. The assessment of a building's fire
safety performance is always focused on determining how well it complies with specific safety
requirements related to building system upkeep (Santos-Reyes & Beard, 2001).
Furthermore, the research comprised administering a questionnaire to building occupants
and conducting a case study survey. The purpose of the occupant survey is to find out how high-
rise building occupants feel about fire safety precautions and whether or not such precautions are
realistic. According to the occupant survey, 88% of participants are aware of building fire safety
precautions. The findings also showed that electrical malfunctions are the most frequent reason
for fires in tall buildings. When electrical conduits and fittings are installed and maintained
correctly, this could be prevented. The outcomes also showed that both property owners and
designers needed to do a better job of implementing fire safety measures. High-rise building
design requires careful adherence to the fire safety measures outlined in building codes.
The purpose of this study is to assess and estimate the effectiveness of fire safety
measures and other factors that need to be taken into account when designing high-rise buildings
to enable the protection of the lives and property of those who occupy them. Moreover, the
objective is to raise awareness about fire safety protocols and the measures taken in high-rise
buildings, particularly among residents. Lastly, the results of this study will lay the groundwork
for greater awareness and the growing involvement of building design experts in fire safety
protocols.
According to a journal by Adeleye, I., (2020), “Fire Disaster Preparedness of Public
Buildings in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria”, in recent years, fire outbreaks have drawn attention
from all over the world as an environmental and financial concern. Even though there isn't
anything that can be done sustainably to totally prevent fire disasters from happening, there are
things that can be done to lessen their spread. The study examined the level of fire preparedness
in the event of a fire disaster in public buildings in the Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria, in keeping
with this acuity.
In this study, fire disaster preparedness was defined as having access to firefighting
equipment, having residents who are technically proficient in using it, and having knowledge of
the local fire department. A convenient sample of one hundred and eight (108) building
occupants and forty-three (43) public buildings were chosen. Data were collected for the cross-
sectional survey by administering questionnaires and by making direct observations of the
buildings. Respondents to questionnaires were asked about building fire safety regulations, their
familiarity with municipal firefighting agencies, and their capacity to operate firefighting
equipment. To determine the degree of building preparedness for a fire disaster in the study area,
these indicators were taken into account holistically.
The overall situation showed that only public buildings related to banking, recreation, and
health care were adequately prepared for a fire disaster. This was demonstrated by their
dedication to providing and maintaining fire safety equipment, while buildings related to
administration, education, and religion were not adequately prepared to handle fire outbreaks in
accordance with the law. It is also crucial that public building occupants take part in training
programs on fire disaster safety, first aid, and evacuation procedures.
In the event of a fire, the majority of occupants of public buildings (73.1%) are unaware
of their building's evacuation plan. This indicates that in addition to the direct risks posed by the
fire, occupants may also be exposed to the possibility of pandemonium resulting from an
uncoordinated evacuation. The study's findings indicate that it is critical that building codes' fire
safety requirements be examined, and put into effect, and that offenders be held legally
accountable. It is also essential that tenants of public buildings take part in training on first aid,
evacuation protocols, and fire disaster safety.
According to a study by Akanmu, W.P. and Arokoyo S. (2023) called “Fire Hazards
Awareness and Preparedness Among the Residents of Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Federal
Capital Territory, Nigeria” " the fire crisis has grown so concerning and continues to be one of
the main threats to human survival, means of subsistence, and security, and have impacted
the environment in the world. Awareness of residents and efficient community readiness will
diminish susceptibility to unavoidable fire events and devastation.
 This study's objective was to evaluate the degree of knowledge of Bwari residents'
reactions local council should there be a fire hazard and to look into residents' readiness for fire
hazards and reactions within the council domain. The research utilized the carrying out of a
multistage random sample and questionnaires to conduct interviews with the residents to
evaluate the council area's awareness level and using checklists to make personal observations to
evaluate the level of readiness of the local council for fires that start.
Tables were used to display the data after they were statistically analyzed using the SSPS
and ANOVA methods. According to the study, most respondents did not take the issue of fire
safety in the surveyed area seriously, and as a result, the majority of area council members have
very low fire safety awareness. The outcomes additionally demonstrated that the local council
does not monitor adherence to any fire or disaster preparedness bylaws. The study suggested that
the local council plan sporadic resident training sessions and additionally make sure that the fire
regulations are regularly inspected. Readiness for calamities. increased awareness among
inhabitants to organize, encompassing all regions under the
study region.
In a study by Kanyasan, K., et. al. (2018), “Implementation of disaster risk reduction and
management policies in a school setting in Lao PDR: a case study”, to lower risks to the
communities, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) developed the National Strategic
Plan for Disaster Risk Management. Although this plan was eventually incorporated into the
curriculum, no evaluation of its execution has ever been done. In a school setting that was
focused on fire disasters in the Lao PDR, this study sought to provide clarity on the current state
of affairs in order to inform better implementation strategies for disaster risk reduction and
management.
In 2017, a case study was carried out in five provinces and Vientiane. 52 policy
implementers from the national, provincial, district, and school levels of the Disaster
Management Committee (DMC), the education sector, and the fire service were the subjects of
key informant interviews. 869 seventh-graders responded to questionnaires, and observations
were conducted across eight secondary schools. The three pillars of the comprehensive
framework for school safety and the 12 key elements of effective policy implementation were
used to analyze the content of interview transcripts. It was determined how much each student
knew about responding to and preventing fires.
From this, three themes came to light: the content and distribution of the policy, the
factors influencing its implementation, and the effects of the policy's implementation. Strong
central government support and efficient coordination among the national DMC members are
two of the factors that facilitate the expansion of disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives.
Uncertainty in national legislation's provisions, vague directives, particularly regarding program
leadership, a subpar monitoring system, a dearth of human resources, and a dearth of public-
private partnerships are some of the obstacles. Every study school had a disaster assembly point
and offered DRR classes. Over 80% of the pupils answered the fire response questions correctly.
 In conclusion, with the exception of a few rural areas, the policy was extensively
publicized and put into practice at all levels and across all sectors within the study sites. Strong
leadership and the implementers' ownership made policy implementation easier even in the
absence of clear mandates and national legislation. Every study school engaged in fire safety
exercises. The majority of pupils were aware of proper fire safety procedures. Enhancing student
understanding and DRR practices would be facilitated by an all-encompassing school-based
DRR program.

LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Kelsey and Jason (2023), both human activity and natural causes can cause
objects to catch fire and burn. Two prominent and significant examples of human activities that
cause solids to turn into gases and massive amounts of materials to be released into the
atmosphere are the burning of fuels like coal and oil and the use of fire to clear large forested
areas. Whether started by lightning strikes or human activity, very large fires have the power to
completely destroy hundreds of thousands of acres of forest. As such, coordinated efforts to put
out forest fires have been a feature of forest management for the majority of the last century or
so. Regrettably, the frequency of catastrophic fires has increased as a result of this policy.
According to literature by Stanley, R. and Young (2022), climate scientists warned in
2009 that human-caused global warming would soon approach irreversibility in the absence of
immediate action. The failure to implement adequate preventative measures meant that, even
prior to 2009, the emission of greenhouse gases continued to accelerate despite this grave
warning and the hundreds of other scientific papers on climate change. One of the effects of
greenhouse gases and rising temperatures is an increase in the frequency of megafires occurring
globally. There is a lack of knowledge and leadership in wildfire prevention in Australia as a
result of the country's continued acceptance of wildfires, regardless of the source.
To minimize the quantity and intensity of wildfires, it is essential to acknowledge that
they are a result of both human-caused climate change and, frequently, human ignition. The
Dixie fire in California, which began on July 13, 2021, burned 963,309 acres and was 94%
contained four months later, serves as an illustration of the need for prevention. At the height of
the fire, 6,579 firefighters were required, and 1,792 miles of fire breaks had to be made. The cost
of fighting the fire came to $USD 610 million. A large portion of the burned forest will not
recover and turn into flammable shrubland.
Eight of the twenty biggest fires ever recorded in California, according to the state's fire
agency, were caused by lightning, five were "human-related," two were caused by powerlines,
and five had an unknown cause. An extensive, evidence-based method should be used to identify
the cause of wildfires like the Dixie fire. Regretfully, the worldwide recording methods in use
today are not intended to support preventative measures in the future. Sometimes they show
inconsistent recordings of the same kind of ignition, sometimes based only on rumors or scant
information.
Few intentionally set fires result in a conviction, and the majority of fires are not
officially investigated or reported. All of this leads to significant discrepancies and gaps in the
data, even when the data sets cover the same region. Wildfire causation: By classifying ignition
sources broadly, fire prevention efforts could be strengthened, and the current tendency to label
many fires as "accidents" could be avoided.

REFERENCES

Arnilla, E., Cortes, D. D., Reyes, R. D., Lagdamen, A., Tingson, C. J. ., & Mosqueda,
Ph.D. CRIM/FRICrim, R. D. (2019). Problems Encountered By the Bureau of Fire
Protection Personnel in Fire Suppression at Novaliches, Quezon City. Ascendens Asia
Singapore – Bestlink College of the Philippines Journal of Multidisciplinary
Research, 1(1). Retrieved from
https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/aasgbcpjmra/article/view/1517
Fire Code of the Philippines: Everything You Need To Know. (2023). Lamudi. Retrieved
from https://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/fire-code-philippines/
Yoshiki B. Kurata, Ardvin Kester S. Ong, Yogi Tri Prasetyo, Reynalyn M. Dizon, Satria
 Fadil Persada, Reny Nadlifatin. (2023). Determining factors affecting perceived
effectiveness among Filipinos for fire prevention preparedness in the National Capital
Region, Philippines: Integrating Protection Motivation Theory and extended Theory of
Planned Behavior. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420922007166
Kurata B. (2023). Protection Motivation Theory. Science Direct. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/protection-motivation-theory
Kan, M.P.H., Fabrigar, L.R. (2017). Theory of Planned Behavior. In: Zeigler-Hill, V.,
Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer,
Cham. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1191-1
Umali, V. (2021). Level of compliance by the Bulacan State University with the fire and
safety requirements of the law. Research Gate. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
354963423_Level_of_compliance_by_the_Bulacan_State_University_with_the_fire_and
_safety_requirements_of_the_law
Nimlyat, S., Audu, U., Ola-Adisa, O., Gwatau, D. (2017). An evaluation of fire safety
measures in high-rise buildings in Nigeria. Sustainable Cities and Society. Retrieved
from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2017.08.035.
S. Lagata, L., J. Andujar, C., S. Lantaco, E.L., A. Manuales,, K.C., A. Allanic, E., & F.
Cuevas Jr., J. (2022). Challenges Encountered and Insights of the Bureau of Fire
Protection Personnel Towards Responding Fire Incident. Mediterranean Journal of Basic
and Applied Sciences. Retrieved from
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Challenges-Encountered-and-Insights-of-the-
Bureau-Lagata-Andujar/79267c8286bbb4f6d5cf06dd59d2c228c5e9ed6e
Esteban, A. (2017). MAJOR PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE BFP PERSONNEL
IN IMPLEMENTING FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES IN KORONADAL CITY.
Studocu. Retrieved from https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/ramon-magsaysay-
memorial-colleges/secondary-education/my-thesis-chapter-2-ajie/76356527
Akanmu W.P., Arokoyo S. (2023). Fire Hazards Awareness and Preparedness Among the
Residents of Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. IRE
Journals. Retrieved from https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1704577.pdf
Kanyasan K, Nonaka D, Chatouphonexay A, Hernandez PM, Kounnavong S, Kobayashi J.
 (2018). Implementation of disaster risk reduction and management policies in a school
setting in Lao PDR: a case study. Trop Med Health. Retrieved from doi: 10.1186/s41182-
018-0124-7. PMID: 30564055; PMCID: PMC6292101.
Kelsey, Jason (2023). Environmental Science: an Evidence-Based Study of Earth's Natural
Systems. Muhlenberg College Digital Repository. Retrieved from
https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.35644891
Harkness, A., Peterson, J. R., Bowden, M., Pedersen, C., & Donnermeyer, J. F. (Eds.).
(2023). The Encyclopedia of Rural Crime (1st ed.). Bristol University Press. Retrieved
from https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv32dnb5x

Chapter III
Research Methodology
 This chapter consists of the research design, research locale, research population and
sample, research instrument, data gathering procedure, and statistical treatment of data.

Research Design
The intention of the study is to give a thorough overview of the state of fire safety
programs currently being carried out by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), with an emphasis
on the difficulties encountered in carrying them out successfully. The study will examine
different factors impacting the execution of fire prevention programs using a “descriptive
design”.
The goal of descriptive research is to precisely and methodically characterize a
population, circumstance, or phenomenon. It can respond to inquiries about what, where, when,
and how, but not why. Numerous research techniques can be applied in a descriptive research
design to examine one or more variables (McCombes, 2023).
Through the collection and synthesis of descriptive data, the research aims to expand
knowledge of the complexities surrounding fire prevention initiatives and provide guidance for
strategies aimed at enhancing emergency response and fire safety procedures.

Research Locale
This research will be implemented in the municipality of Tiaong, Quezon where the
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is established, precisely located at Don V G. Robles St, 3. The
rationale for selecting this office as the research locale is to provide practical understandings and
suggestions for improving Tiaong, Quezon fire safety measures by addressing the dimensions of
fire prevention challenges. Additionally, this organization's hierarchy consists of the Senior
Commissioned Officers (Municipal Fire Marshall, Deputy Fire Marshall, Chief/Admin) and
Non-Commissioned Officers (Senior Fire Officer II, Senior Fire Officer I, Fire Officer I, II, and
III).

Research Sample
Selecting Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) staff members to participate in the research as
respondents has multiple benefits and is consistent with the goals of examining the municipality's
fire safety initiatives. It offers a chance to learn substantial insights about the intricacies of fire
safety initiatives in the Philippines, improve comprehension of operational difficulties, and
develop plans for bolstering emergency response and fire safety measures.
Employees of the BFP are specially trained in emergency response, firefighting, and
prevention. They have firsthand experience addressing fire incidents, enforcing regulations, and
implementing fire prevention programs as frontline responders. Their observations can offer
insightful viewpoints on the success of current initiatives and the difficulties encountered during
the implementation of fire prevention programs.
In selecting the respondent of this research, the purposive sampling will be utilized. A
non-probability sampling method based on the goals of the study and the characteristics of the
population is called purposeful sampling. To calculate the number of informants, purposeful
sampling does not need a theory or a set of underlying parameters. It is employed when a
researcher wishes to focus on people who have particular characteristics that are relevant to their
work (Crossman, 2020).
This will be applied in selecting the employees of the BFP as they frequently engage in
community outreach related to fire prevention. They can provide information about attitudes,
perceptions, and involvement in fire safety initiatives within the community. In order to improve
outreach tactics and community resilience to fire hazards, it is also imperative that BFP
personnel have a thorough understanding of the dynamics of community engagement.

Research Instruments
In conducting this study, survey questionnaires were distributed to the selected
respondents who are the BFP personnel stationed at the municipality of Tiaong, Quezon. The
questionnaires were fostered to determine the public’s level of awareness of the fire prevention
programs, as well as the challenges faced by the respondents in implementing them. All these
were collected from the fifteen (15) selected BFP personnel.
This will ultimately support the researchers in putting forth a plan of action to deal with
the difficulties the BFPs are experiencing in establishing the fire prevention programs into
practice in Tiaong, Quezon. Additionally, to validate the instrument, the research adviser and
related prior studies were consulted in the process of designing it to ensure that the research
instrument was accurate, substantial, and meaningful.

Date Gathering Procedures

In securing consent, the purpose, objectives, and potential implications of the study will
be briefly explained by the researcher in this introduction. BFP staff will receive an informed
consent form from the researcher that describes the nature of their participation, confidentiality
procedures, and their freedom to leave the study at any time without facing repercussions.
Employees of BFP who consent to participate will be required to sign an informed consent form
indicating that they have given their free and informed permission to be involved in the study.
The researcher will restate the confidentiality protocols that are in place to safeguard
respondents' privacy and anonymity.
The data collection will involve distributing surveys to BFP employees in order to collect
information about their perspectives, challenges, and fire prevention programs. The process of
gathering data will be methodical and structured, with pre-planned survey questions intended to
elicit pertinent information in line with the goals of the study. Throughout the data collection
process, the researcher will act with deference and without passing judgment, creating a
welcoming and comfortable space for participants to express their opinions.
Furthermore, the identities of BFP personnel will remain anonymous in all research
outputs, such as publications and reports. To ensure participant confidentiality, they will be given
pseudonyms or identified by generic descriptors. The raw data that was gathered from BFP
employees will only be accessible to the research team members who are engaged in data
analysis. Any distribution of the results will combine the data to avoid identifying specific
individuals. Confidentiality agreements will be signed by study participants, researchers, and
collaborators, pledging to protect participant responses and data confidentiality throughout the
research process.
Through adherence to this protocol for data collection, the investigator guarantees that
BFP staff members are duly informed about the study, their involvement is voluntary and
consensual, their answers are gathered in a courteous and private manner, and their anonymity is
maximized.
The study’s timeframe in gathering data which involves personnel from the Bureau of
Fire Protection (BFP) in Tiaong, Quezon will take place over the course of three weeks.

Statistical Treatment
Statistical analysis will be performed on the data obtained from the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) using a five-point Likert scale. There are five choices on the Likert scale. To
summarize the distribution of responses for each survey item, statistical analysis will involve
computing descriptive statistics, such as measures of central tendency (such as mean or median)
and measures of variability (such as standard deviation). This analysis will shed light on general
trends and response patterns among BFP staff members.
Formula:
Σ = fx /N
Where: x – Is the number of the respondent’s responses in the choices
N – Is the total number of the respondents

Ethical Considerations
A comprehensive informed consent form detailing the aim, methods, risks, advantages,
and confidentiality protocols related to the research will be given to BFP staff prior to
participation. Before obtaining the consent of BFP personnel to participate in the research, the
researcher will make sure that they fully understand the information provided in the consent
form.
 Additionally, in accordance with the rules of academic integrity, the researcher will make
sure that all information sources— including literature reviews, citations, and data analyses— are
properly cited and attributed. In order to prevent plagiarism, proper citation guidelines will be
adhered to in order to acknowledge the original authors and information sources used in the
study.
In ways to address possible harm, when discussing potentially delicate subjects like fire
incidents, emergency response, or personal experiences, the researcher will be considerate and
empathic. In the event that research participants express distress or emotional concerns,
appropriate support services referrals will be made. Through the careful consideration of ethical
issues, the research guarantees the safeguarding of participants' rights, upholds academic
integrity, and reduces any possible harm or risks that may arise from participation. In the end,
this strategy contributes to the ethical conduct of research on fire prevention programs involving
BFP personnel by fostering trust, respect, and transparency in the research process.