BFICBC 2014

Bicol First
Industrial Company Fire
Brigade Competition

SFO3 Aramis Aristhedes A Balde, MPA

Section Head, Regional Intelligence &
Investigation Branch /
UFO TWG Team Leader

April 2014

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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Table of Contents

Expression of Thanks and Commendations from Industrial

Companies
I. Introduction

II. Background: the UFO Evolution

3, 4

III. What did we set out to do?

4, 9

IV. What actually happened?

10, 13

V. What went well, and why?

19

VI. Issues and Recommendations

19

VII. Unexpected Results

20

VIII. Conclusions

20

Annexes

Oath of Sportsmanship
List of Winners
Judges Score sheets
Travel Orders

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

Report / 3ab

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

Report / 3ab

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

Report / 3ab

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

Report / 3ab

I. Introduction
This report adopts the After-Action-Review (AAR) reporting format to provide
analysis and evaluation, inquiry style of the current and prospective effectiveness of
volunteer fire brigades response to Off-Site or outside-of-company Emergencies.
This report also documents the influence of the local fire station as training
supervisors, and coach, partners of the volunteer fire brigades in expression of their
leadership efficiency.
The BICOL FIRST INDUSTRIAL COMPANY FIRE BRIGADE COMPETITION
is to set the Volunteer Fire Brigades role as community responders not as mere
company-reserve resource, but a committed community resource to respond to fire
incidents in their direct impact areas or Barangays. With zero-fire incidence target,
mobilizing community resources is BFPs flexibility to achieve efficient and effective
response every time. There are no exemptions and Industrial companies are an
enormous resource with trained personnel, equipment and with their own hydrants
they can help satisfy well the suppression requirement of the community. Making
them committed as assisting responders to the local communitys first-line-of-defense
completes the mission of the Bureau of Fire Protection R5.
Prominently, transforming indifference to one of compassion and sympathy
to the fire protection effort of the BFP through skills-contest is the ultimate mission of
the UFO Technical Working Group.
II. Background: the UFO Evolution
There have been successful Urban Fire Olympics or UFOs since the year
2006, 1 it was that period when the BFP Regional Office professed to be hands-on in
the monitoring and evaluation of field units response skills.
The strategy was to perform skill evaluation right-in-front of the public to
harness their awareness and support. The UFO skills demonstration contest
introduced the call-for-help or the two or one arm raised signal and the navigation
of eskinitas and other obstacles or the running around traffic cones. The one-linetwo-teams-backto-back bucket-relay formation was also introduced to simulate
limited maneuverability to check on team-work which brought excitement, and was a
good public entertainment.
The grand intention of the yearly UFO originally was to give tribute to the
different sectors of the community, through a variety of responders and skills:
a. UFO for Barangay Volunteer Fire Brigades;
b. UFO for Inter-Schools/Inter-Collegiate
c. UFO for Volunteer Fire Brigades; and
d. UFO for Government and Private Offices.
------------------------------------------------

During the time of CINSP ARTURO B ALABA as Regional Operation Officer and CINSP BERNADETTE D
MADRID as Chief, FSES with the undersigned.

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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This grand-intention was changed but earned more media mileage with the
outset of the BFP Day Event of the yearly (Daragang) Magayon Festival of the Albay
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO). 2
With the felt need for RESCUERS in the region, given emphasis by the Police
Regional Office 5-Regional Mobile Groups creation of the PRO5 D.E.A.R (Disaster
Emergency Action Rescue),3 the UFO evolved and the skills Rapid-Extrication,
Recognition-utilization-of-Safe-Areas and Medical-Triaging were introduced as
competition stages in the Response Trio UFO. 4
All these UFOs carry the same rush , the need to display alertness, accuracy
and inventiveness in a given degree-of-difficulty to test the teams expertise and
effectiveness to awe inspire the viewing public and ; whose winning time theoretically
was basis for how fast Bicol firefighters react to emergencies.
These forerunner UFOs triggered succeeding other creative UFOs.
III. What did we set out to do?
The Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition was a 5 year concept.
The idea to have a volunteer fire brigade competition in the region started in
2009, and has not been given priority, until this year. In 2011, this idea even
attempted to unite all VFBs Association in the Region under one umbrella
organization through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) as Civil Society
Organization (CSO) auxiliary to the BFP.5 This unification proposal was backed by
the Regional Management Coordinating Committee (RMCC), but all attempts failed
due to a politics-of-fire among VFB Associations.
Eventually, this politics among Volunteer Fire Brigades requires national
intervention , thus Rule 6, provision in R.A 9514 otherwise known as the New Fire
Code of the Philippines 2008.
In realization of all these, the regional Technical Working Group led by the
Regional Intelligence and Investigation Branch set to work and planned the event
from concept to paper with clearance from the OIC Regional Director F/SUPT
LORENZO D RELLOSA JR, DSC, MPA through the ARD for Operation F/CINSP
JOSEPH REYLITO S ESPIRITU, DPCOM.
-----------------------------------------------2

BFP Day Event was the initiative of the undersigned and FO1 Jayr F Santos, approved by then RD SSUPT
SANTIAGO E LAGUNA, DSC.
3
The undersigned was allowed training as PRO5 D.E.A.R pioneer member as per request by then P/SINSP
ARARAL, Regional Mobile Group Commander to then Regional Fire Marshal/ ARD CINSP RUBEN F BEARIS JR.
Original request included then FO1 Alden B Palles and FO1 Alberto D Debaguio.
4
BFP Albay led by then SFO4 Audie Rion the pioneer trainer and rescue equipment provider, and then SFO2
Glenn Rodrigueza won the RESPONSE TRIO UFO Championship, 2008.
5
Volunteer Fire Brigades unification was the project of RD F/SSUPT IGMEDIO U BONDOC JR with the
undersigned as the permanent-alternate representative to RMCC.

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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The TWG Members who authored the BICOL FIRST INDUSTRIAL COMPANY
FIRE BRIGADE COMPETITION and their strategy framework are as follows:
SFO3 Aramis Aristhedes A Balde, MPA
SFO2 Maria Luisa R Gongona
FO1 Kenneth V Nieva
FO1 Franklin R Tomindog C.E

- Section Head, RIIB

- Section Head, FSES
- Regional Intel NCO
- Regional FSES NCO

Strategy Framework:

Prepare and test Mechanics;

Conduct orientation briefing and invitation to Company Safety Officers and
CEOs;
Conduct demonstration-briefing to Company Fire Brigade members;
Do training or coaching functions as needed.

THE UFO MECHANICS

Objective: To provide a mock-drill to demonstrate the emergency preparedness of
Industrial companies as neighboring mutual-aid partner industries
1. Eligibility to Compete
All interested company fire brigades shall be eligible to enter in the Olympics.
It is the responsibility of the Company of the participating team to ensure that their
respective firefighting teams are physically fit.
2. Registration of competitors
All individual teams must complete a registration form listing all members of
that team, 8 firefighters, 1 coach, 1 muse; and names of substitutes if any (see
attached).
3. Role of Team Coach
The team coach shall be the spokesperson for the team at all times. The team
coach shall be the only team representative at the competition briefing conducted by
the Chief Judge. The team coach may submit questions to the Chief Judge for
interpretation and ruling at the competition briefing before the competition.
4. Brigade/Team Identification
Brigades/teams Coaches will be issued with a number to be worn at all times.
Brigades / Teams shall wear their individual color or company shirts.
5. Officials
All officials shall be appointed by the UFO Executive Committee /
Coordinators.

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6. Chief Judge
The Chief Judge shall be in control of the events and Judges on all stages.
7. Judges
7.1 All Judges must attend the Judges briefing prior to competitions at a time and
venue nominated by the Chief Judge
7.2 Judges shall ensure that all events are carried out strictly in accordance with
the rules of each event
7.3 All penalties and breaches shall be recorded on the judging sheet issued by
the Chief Judge
8. UFO Chief Safety Marshall
8.1 Responsible for ensuring all teams are assembled at the start line in order of
competition prior to the commencement of each part
8.2 He / She shall make every endeavor to ensure that each stages commences
on time and that time is not wasted unnecessarily
8.3 He / She shall ensure that all competitors are dressed correctly (PPE)
9. Draw for Starter Order
The starter order shall be drawn during the competition briefing and each team
shall compete in the order as drawn
10. Power to Penalize
The Chief Judge and UFO Chief Safety Marshall will have the power to
penalize any team for lack of discipline on the competition ground
11. Starter Marshall
The Starters Marshall is responsible for ensuring individual teams are
assembled behind the start line in order of competition
There will be two (2) teams line up at any time awaiting the Starters orders,
not including teams / competitors on the start line in each stage.
Teams/Competitors must ensure they have all necessary equipment to
complete each event prior to the start of the competition.
12. Chief Time Keeper
The Chief Timekeeper is responsible for ensuring the judges recorded correct
times gained by all competing teams are recorded. Timekeepers - The timekeepers
are responsible for recording at all times for individual teams competing in the event.
Times will be recorded manually.

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13. Starter
After the competitors have been fully examined by the UFO Chief Safety
Marshall, and are in their correct places, the Starter shall at his discretion start the
event by blowing the whistle or fire truck siren or by such method approved by the
ExeCom. If in the opinion of the Starter any team has not had a fair start, he shall
recall the competitors by blowing the whistle to stop the event and re-form the
competitors. Competitors shall toe the starting line on being called into position by the
Starter.
14. Method of Starting
The starter shall call: ON THE MARK SET (WHISTLES) False starts shall
be penalized
15. Competitors at the Event
Competitors are expected to act accordingly in a gentlemanly manner. All
actions considered rude and ungentlemanly shall be penalized.
16. Protest
16.1 Protest must be made in writing on the Protest Form and shall be submitted
by the Team Coach
16.2 All protest must be lodged with the Chief Judge within ten (10) minutes of
completion of the event in which the protest is lodged
16.3 Faulty equipment about which a protest is lodged must be shown to the
Chief Judge before being removed from the competition area
16.4 A Protest Committee will be appointed prior to the commencement of the
first event. Three (3) members will constitute a Protest Committee.
16.5 Video Evidence will not be permitted.
17. Ground Control
Only officials, nominated guests and competitors actually competing, may
enter and/or remain on the competition ground. Persons other than those may incur a
penalty for their team.
18. Equipment General
All participating teams shall bring their own equipment except for fire trucks,
unless otherwise they wish to bring their own.
19. Competition Uniform Dress
All competitors shall used turn-outs coat and trousers and the firefighting boots
and gloves.

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20. Parade Ceremony

At any parade or ceremony on the day of competition, dress will be team
uniform and all team members must be dressed similarly.
21. Faults or Penalties
The following will constitute penalties
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Unbecoming manner of anyone of the team, player or not

Deliberate mishandling of equipment
Failure to wear uniform or part of the uniform
Improper wearing of uniform
Hitting target tries of 3
Ladder :
51. Failure to place in a stable position
5.2 Failure to lock leg

22. Event Scenario

At 6:00 A.M on a windy morning of March 29, 2014, an explosion occurred at
an Oil Depot / Power plant, where two operation / maintenance crew were on duty.
The blast rendered the crew unconscious and requires rescue from the rapid heat
release rate of the fire and thick rapid black-carbon-emission. The explosion can led
to a four day fire that threatens the direct impact community with its magnitude of
smoke that can result to a worse-health-case scenario.
Response analysis:
Prioritize crew extrication, and firefighting to suppress immediately the spread
of fire and smoke emission.
Response Threats:
1. Unfavorable weather condition
2. Large fire-with rapid heat release rate
3. Magnitude of air-pollution related health impact with the rapid smoke
emission rate
ORT (on site response team) Action required:
1. Personal safety
2. Saving lives/ rescue
3. Protection of the environment
Stage 1 - Personal safety
Stage 2 - Saving lives/ rescue
Stage 3 - Protection of the environment

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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ENTRY FORM UFO: Industrial Fire Brigade Competition

Fill out form completely and mail to sponsor listed on the first page of program.
Name of Company: ___________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________Contact nr/s_______________
Email Address: ______________________________.
Team Registration
Team Name :
Team Coach :

Team Muse :
Name

Specific Role/s

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Assumption of Risk 2014 BFP Day Event
We are aware and understand that there are a number of inherent risks
involved in our participation in this sporting activity and beyond the control of the host
Provincial Government of Albay or the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office ,
the Daragang Magayon Festival Execom in which the competition and/or sanctioned
activity we participate takes place, and/or of the event facility, and any person,
corporation or organization associated with the operation of such competitions or
events.
We further agree that we are assuming personal responsibility for any costs as
well as any loss, damage, injury or ambulance service resulting from or in connection
with such participation at each competition in which we compete or event in which we
participate.
We have read and understand this Waiver.
______________________
Team Coach
Submit thru fax at 481-5013 or bfp_fses@yahoo.com

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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IV. What actually happened?

The team coordinated with the Industrial Companies in the Region, starting
with SHELL PHILIPPINES and PETRON both located at Pasacao , Camarines sur
through the support and assistance of F/INSP GARY FRANCISCO and his Staff of
Pasacao Fire Station; SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION, PHILIPPINE GEOTHERMAL /
PGPCI , AP RENEWABLES/ Aboitiz , LEGAZPI OIL COMPANY and BACMAN.
The following are the coordination, briefing documentations.
SHELL PHILIPPINES
First Runner-Up

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SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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AP RENEWABLES / ABOITIZ
Along with the INSP SIMEON H BALLON, MFM of TIWI, the Technical
Working Team coordinated with the Safety Officer of AP Renewables.

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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PHILIPPINE GEOTHERMAL (PGPCI)

Champion

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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THE UFO: BICOL FIRST INDUSTRIAL FIRE BRIGADE COMPETITION

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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V. What went well, and why?

A total of Eight (8) Industrial Companies to include Pepsi and Coca Cola were
invited to join but these two companies for reasons of being undermanned opted not
to join the event.
Invited Industrial Companies:

Legazpi Oil Company

Philippine Geothermal
AP Renewables / Aboitiz
National Grid Corporation
Globe Coco
Pilipinas Shell
Petron
San Miguel Corporation

According to plan, March 29, 2014 at 0700H saw the Industrial Fire Brigade
participants with the Volunteer Barangay Fire Brigades in row formation in-front of
Divine Word College of Legazpi City. It was a glorious sight, all kinds of colors of
uniforms made the atmosphere festive yet, tensed as everyone is to compete with
each other.
At exactly 0730H the short parade commenced going to the Albay Pearanda
Park where a short program followed.
It was the sensibility or responsiveness of the Company heads that made the
Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade successful. By showing up and joining in the event,
they have established that their respective corporate souls are active. The Guest of
Honor and Speaker in the person of Mr. REDEN REYES, Petron Superintendent of
Southern Luzon was not only honored but very enthusiastic to mark their participation
in the event as part of BFP R5s history.
VI. Issues and Recommendations
Issue
1. No ready water target ;
Recommendation
1. Make permanent metal two-tiered water targets on hinges

Bicol First Industrial Fire Brigade Competition (BFIFBC)

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VI. Unexpected Results

The event was a first, that everything was newness and was a great spectacle
to all.
VIII. Conclusions
The successful Bicol First Industrial Company Fire Brigade Competition
send out the message that the BFP Regional Office/ HQ 5 is taking the necessary
steps to ensure that all available community fire protection resources continue to be
committed to their role as part of the communitys first-line-of-defense and that they
remain supportive to keeping a zero fire incidence. Our strategy needs to be flexible
in response to the changing fire threat, the reason that we need partners to build
collective capabilities to deal with fire threats.
BFP Regional HQ like its field units defies destructive fires endlessly. Aware
that threat from fire is ever increasing with technologies that produce more plasticbased materials thus easily combustible; increasing population resulting to poverty
where the need for daily existence weighs more than the concern for safety, and
culture. Staying ahead of fire threats will not be easy, that we require assistance
from the Industrial Sector, and from everyone.
With the UFOs success, we are not only maintaining but enhancing response
capabilities against the background of the persistent culture of apathy or disregard for
fire safety. By means of AP Renewables / Aboitiz, Philippine Geothermal, Pilipinas
Shell and Petron VFBs, Legazpi Oil Company, Globe Coco and other industrial
companys commitment of assistance, we have strengthened protective
arrangements at the community. By so doing, we have significantly improved the
capability of the Fire Stations responses during fire calls.
The UFO/Skills Competition affirmed that people and organizations are aware
and are willing partners, given the motivation of training and situation. Thus, I am
very much confident to claim with my team, that the success of the Bicol First
Industrial Company Fire Brigade Competition is one strategy to deal with fire
challenges that will continue to provide an added basis for collective response
action in the region.
SFO3 Aramis Aristhedes A Balde, MPA
Team Leader, UFO 2014 TWG
UFO 2014 TWG Members:
SFO2 Maria Luisa R Gongona _______________________
FO1 Kenneth V Nieva
_______________________
FO1 Franklin R Tomindog
_____________________