Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Quezon City District 6 Representative Marivic Co-Pilar on Wednesday led the turnover of 56 fire extinguishers to Culiat High School, launching a nationwide effort to strengthen fire safety in schools.

The donation is a first step toward fulfilling President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve fire preparedness in educational institutions.

Remulla, Co-Pilar and officials from the Bureau of Fire Protection distributed the fire extinguishers following the President’s recent visit to San Francisco High School, one of Quezon City’s oldest public schools, which was destroyed by fire just before the school year began. Marcos committed to immediate measures to ensure student and community safety in emergencies.

“This is a small but necessary gesture from the DILG. This is what we do every day. You must be protected from any kind of emergency,” Remulla said.

Co-Pilar said the donation means Culiat High School, which serves about 2,000 students, now has a one-to-one fire extinguisher-to-classroom ratio. She described the donation as setting a standard for preparedness and reinforcing the government’s commitment to school safety.

“Today, we are very happy because that promise is fulfilled. We are very thankful to Sec. Remulla, to Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Cong. Marivic Co-Pilar for this initiative in helping create a safe space in our schools and our communities,” said Quezon City School Division Superintendent Carleen S. Sedilla, who formally received the equipment.

From January to July 1, 2025, authorities recorded 8,195 fire incidents nationwide. Of these, 191 occurred in Quezon City, with 15 involving educational facilities.

During the event, Bureau of Fire Protection personnel demonstrated the proper use of fire extinguishers using the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Culiat High School Master Teacher Myrna Piedad and Grade 9 student Isabella Heart Cabra joined the demonstration, highlighting fire response awareness for both teachers and students.

Secretary Remulla also announced that with the full activation of the national 911 emergency hotline this month, the public can expect a nationwide emergency response time of three minutes.

“This is our job, to make you feel safe and secure. In times of need, the government is there for you,” Remulla said.