Fire Brigade Training Equips Benildean Volunteers for Emergencies
Fire Brigade Training Equips Benildean Volunteers for Emergencies
05 March 2025
When fire strikes, every second counts. And when lives are on the line, hesitation is not an option. At De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, safety isn’t left to chance. It’s built, reinforced, and lived.
From February 10 to 13, 2025, volunteer Benildeans stepped up, put on their gear, and committed to something bigger than themselves. The Fire Brigade Competency Training, organized by the Center for Emergency Management, Safety and Security (CEMSS), wasn’t just about learning how to put out flames. It was about preparing for the unpredictable, acting fast, and ensuring the safety of the entire Benilde community. Timed just ahead of March’s Fire Prevention Month, the program emphasized a critical message: preparedness saves lives.
Throughout the four-day intensive, participants were immersed in real-world emergency response scenarios. Day one introduced fire operations, covering how fires start, how they spread, and most importantly, how to stop them. Day two tackled emergency response procedures, including basic life support, because fire isn’t the only threat in a crisis. Ropemanship and rescue techniques took center stage on day three, teaching volunteers how to navigate high-risk situations. Finally, day four pulled it all together. A full-scale simulation tested every skill learned, pushing participants to respond under pressure just as they would in a real emergency.
But this training wasn’t just about technical skills. It was about teamwork, leadership, and the kind of courage that only comes from stepping into the unknown. Unlike assigned roles, this was a choice. Each volunteer willingly took on the responsibility, understanding that in an emergency, they wouldn’t be bystanders. They’d be first responders.
CEMSS Deputy Director Mark Henry Lapuebla, a staunch advocate for emergency preparedness, knows the value of this commitment firsthand. Under his supervision, Benilde has gained recognition for its proactive approach to safety. In fact, the College and Lapuebla himself were honored by the City Government of Manila and the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for their efforts during Benilde PRIME, a large-scale disaster preparedness initiative held in July 2024. That program, which brought together the MMDA, MDRRMO, BFP Manila, and PRC-Manila Chapter, reinforced that readiness isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing mission.
As the Fire Brigade Training wrapped up, CEMSS left the volunteers with a final message: “What you have learned here does not end today. It becomes a part of who you are.” Being prepared isn’t just about having the skills. It’s about having the mindset. And at Benilde, that mindset is clear: safety, vigilance, and resilience like no other.
