As Fire Prevention Month approaches, award-winning actor John Arcilla chose not merely to lend his name to advocacy — he stepped directly into its reality.

Arcilla completed an intensive training program with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), immersing himself in the discipline, procedures and physical demands required of responders who confront emergencies daily. The initiative forms part of his continuing role as a Fire Prevention Ambassador, reinforcing public awareness through firsthand experience rather than endorsement alone.

For Arcilla, the training was eye-opening from the moment he first put on the gear.

“Yes, it is difficult and exciting because you know it’s just training. But imagine in real life — they do that training regularly, even without operations, so it becomes second nature to them. Imagine just wearing that gear and how heavy it is,” he told ABS-CBN News.

The hands-on drills exposed him not only to technique but also to the endurance required in the profession — climbing structures, maneuvering in restrictive gear and simulating high-risk situations where instinct must replace hesitation.

During the course, Arcilla found himself reflecting on the weight firefighters carry compared to other forms of service.

“I realized how difficult their job is. A soldier’s uniform is lighter, and with an armalite you can already go to war. Firefighters — their uniform alone is very heavy, and they still have to climb buildings. And the enemy they face is risky and inanimate — fire,” he said.

More than a physical challenge, the experience deepened his respect for the profession.

“I realized firefighters are truly heroes. Even just from my training experience, seeing what they go through raised my admiration, respect and regard for them,” he added.

Beyond the drills, Arcilla said he intends to bring the lessons to communities, encouraging households to take fire prevention seriously and adopt everyday safety practices.

Rather than portraying heroism onscreen, Arcilla chose to understand it firsthand — discovering that behind every siren lies not only courage, but relentless preparation.