Koronadal City, South Cotabato — July 8, 2025 — In a proactive step to bolster forest fire prevention and emergency response capabilities, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) South Cotabato has distributed firefighting equipment to its field units across the province.
A total of six complete sets of firefighting gear were turned over to local Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) and Protected Area Management Offices (PAMOs) in a recent ceremony facilitated by PENRO. Banga and General Santos City each received two sets, while one set each was allocated to the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) and Allah Valley Protected Landscape (AVPL) management offices.
According to PENRO South Cotabato, the initiative is part of its continuing efforts to enhance field personnel’s capacity to mitigate forest fire risks, especially in fire-prone areas. It also aims to strengthen the province’s overall environmental protection and emergency readiness on the ground.
“This distribution is not just about equipment—it’s about strengthening our frontliners’ ability to protect our landscapes and communities from the growing threat of wildfires,” the office said in a statement.
Each firefighting set contains essential tools and protective gear, including a brush cutter, collapsible fire pump, heavy-duty swatter, firefighting shovel and scraper, McLeod rake, safety goggles, working gloves, safety helmet, safety shoes, combination pick tool, forester’s axe, bolo, and safety masks.
Demonstrations on proper use of the equipment were also conducted to ensure field personnel are fully familiar with the tools and safety protocols during firefighting operations.
With forest fires becoming more frequent due to climate change and prolonged dry spells, PENRO South Cotabato emphasized that preventive actions and quick emergency response are vital in safeguarding the province’s rich natural resources and biodiversity.