From left, Mr. Conrad Parizal, Social Performance Adviser for Downstream, Pilipinas Shell; Mr. Serge Bernal, Vice President for External and Government Relations, Pilipinas Shell; Mr. Jose Embang, Chief Fire Director, Bureau of Fire Protection; Fire Chief Supt. Roel Jeremy Diaz, Bureau of Fire Protection
By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Photos courtesy of Pilipinas Shell
Ensuring to be proactive than reactive in handling the devastating fire that does not only destroy properties but also take some lives.
This paves the way for the leading energy company Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to renew their partnership in implementing the fire safety and emergency response initiatives within both organizations while providing safety programs for external communities and groups.
Pilipinas Shell reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of all components of its operations, leading to the protection of the customers and communities they serve. This renewed partnership also introduced “KAISA: Call to action against destructive fire campaign,” a BFP initiative that encourages the active participation of different societal sectors to perform their roles in proper fire safety and prevention.
Pilipinas Shell’s Vice President for External and Government Relations Serge Bernal Jr. affirmed the partnership’s goals, saying, “Safety is paramount in our industry now, especially for Pilipinas Shell. Partnering with like-minded agencies is something that we really treasure. The Memorandum Of Agreement is one strong sign of this commitment.”
Bernal also added that Pilipinas Shell’s renewal shows its resolution to continue in its nation-building programs, and in this case, to ensure, promote, and grow fire safety practices in the country.
BFP’s Fire Director Jose S. Embang Jr., voiced out his gratitude and appreciation for the energy company’s continuous commitment to fire safety, and the role it has taken in strengthening the national infrastructure in this area.
Through the years, the Pilipinas Shell-BFP partnership has been successful in producing the most comprehensive, educational, and empowering fire safety programs for various groups across different local sectors. Some of their programs include their Junior Fire Marshal (JFM) program, which trained over 8,600 students and 166 volunteer teachers on fire safety. Another is the BiyaHERO initiative, a road safety initiative that educated over 25,000 students and 30 mentors on proper road safety guidelines.
The partnership also led to continuous training both for internal and external stakeholders. The Disaster Response and Emergency Preparedness program helped around 430 community volunteers learn more about the protocols to remember and implement during major calamities. To further equip their employees in their different facilities, Pilipinas Shell also conducted Joint Fire Emergency Response Drills in 16 of their Fuel Terminals, as well as a Joint Oil Spill Response drill in their Tabangao site.
Finally, Pilipinas Shell established a Community Satellite Fire Station in Batangas City, which they entrusted the local BFP to operate.
The success of the Pilipinas Shell-BFP partnership is the result of continuous improvements and identification of better ways of working. “Through the years, I think this is all about learning and sharing,” said Bernal, as he expressed his hopes to continue learning and sharing knowledge, capabilities, and practices on fire safety with the BFP for years to come.
