Day 1 of the 1st PIFPO National Convention was a huge success as 530 attendees witnessed an awesome first day of hybrid execution by the National Board headed by the hardworking IPP Paul Roque, NP Ronel Roncal Baes, NVPI Nardito Jr Cornelio, and yours truly together with the incredible team and secretariat at the PIFPO South NCR chapter headquarters courtesy of SNC President Benedict Ahyin Wong.
As a first-timer on such a platform, PIFPO did well the rest of the day after the usual glitches on the first day of such a big event. The series of presentations took place smoothly and was handled efficiently behind the efforts of the Command Center led by the day’s able host VPT Ronnel Amparado of CCC.
The program was run like clockwork and all the activities were executed as organized starting with the usual opening formalities initiated by an Opening Statement from the Convention Chairman NVPI Nardito Jr Cornelio. This was immediately followed by a short opening speech from NP Ronel Baes. Of course, who could better deliver the Then and Now of PIFPO better than the NatSec of the organization since its inception; NS Armando Emata.
The day’s Keynote speaker, USEC for DILG Public Safety Serafin P. Barretto Jr. delivered a meaningful piece in support of PIFPO’s plans to make this country a fire-safe place to live in.
As expected, PIFPO is going international this time with a very informative talk from the Vice President for Outreach and Advocacy Ms. Lorraine Carli of the NFPA all the way from the US. Her topic: Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem: A framework for Safety.
The second keynote speaker for the day was no other than CEO IV BFP Chief Louie S. Puracan. The chief delivered an encouraging message for the organization as he expressed support for PIFPO’s initiatives in Fire and Life Safety. He acknowledged the immense capability of the organization due to its integrated structure and highly capable members.
The Bulacan Chapter executed a remarkable presentation on Fire Extinguisher Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance showing an actual step-by-step procedure in FX use by extinguishing an actual fire. This was followed by inspection procedures of FX c/o BULC’s Boni Sarabia Merano Jr.
NBOT Arch Roland Arimado delivered his usual informative piece on FIRE DOORS with a boatload of information from Unidoor straight up to lunchtime as the convention was jampacked with interested participants airing questions on the topic. The working lunch featured some presentations from the sponsors.
Immediately after the break, NVPT Alexander V. Listana delivered a unique presentation on Combustible Dust which elicited a lot of interest from the crowd notably PIFPO’s staunch follower Engr. Ariel Engr Ariel Tan Miranda.
One of the revered practitioners and a member of PIFPO’s NFPA CFPS Committee (him being a CFPS himself) Engr. Jim Reyes, talked a lot about Fire Risk Analysis – an essential in setting up your facility’s Fire Plan. This was immediately followed by a break, and guess what, PIFPO’s favorite jokester NS Aries Armando Emata kept the audience entertained with his wacky presentations in his Sex… I mean Sec’s Corner
Engr. James Abarca Semaj did an interesting lecture on Foam Extinguishment for Aircraft Hangars. Though this is rarely presented in PIFPO’s seminar, it drew a lot of curiosity on what protection to use in such a huge, highly combustible facility.
The day was capped off with a very interesting Codes and Standards Tournament facilitated by IPP Paul Roque. Jaffy Abamonga of the Cebu City Chapter ran off with the prize of two volumes of the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook 20th edition. Congratulations Jaffy Abamonga!
Exciting was an understatement for Day 1. Congratulations to all and see you for some more thrilling and educational presentations from PIFPO!!!
