Strengthening its commitment to safety and resilience, the College of Open and Distance Education (CODE) held a two-day Fire Safety Awareness and Disaster Preparedness Training on March 10–11, 2026 at the Bureau of Fire Protection Sto. Domingo Headquarters, equipping participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to respond effectively to emergencies.
Dr. Dolores Bersamina, Dean of CODE, spearheaded the conduct of the training alongside Assistant Dean Dr. Wilson Tolio, demonstrating the college’s strong leadership and commitment to deliver impactful learning initiatives.
Aligned with the nationwide observance of Fire Prevention Month, the two-day capacity-building activity was designed to empower Day Care Workers and learners with fundamental competencies in fire safety and disaster preparedness. The sessions covered basic fire prevention strategies, standard emergency response procedures, and appropriate actions during fire and other disaster-related situations, ensuring that participants are better equipped to respond calmly and effectively in times of crisis.
The training also forms an integral part of the TARABAY–NAINGAT Project, the college’s flagship extension program dedicated to promote community safety and crime prevention. By prioritizing the early childhood education sector, the initiative advances a “safety-first” mindset among both educators and young learners, reinforcing efforts to build resilient communities and safeguard those most at risk.
The program drew on a blend of academic rigor and field-based expertise. Dr. Edwin Cerna, Program Head of the BS Criminology program, led the sessions as chief facilitator, offering practical and tactical insights into emergency management. Meanwhile, Mr. Jay Ar Joshua Tolentino, Unit Extension Coordinator, ensured comprehensive documentation of the activity and actively supported the overall facilitation of the training.
