MANILA, Philippines?The Navotas City government, headed by Mayor Toby Tiangco, with local Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, have joined hands to make residents understand the fatal effects of mishandling fire incidents.

The city is holding a series of month-long activities in line with the theme ?Sustaining fire prevention through active community participation? to mark the observance of Fire Prevention Month this March.

Tiangco issued a directive to officials of the fire department, the public information office, barangay councils, the barangay operations center and other departments concerned to foster awareness of the necessity of fire prevention.

He also instructed the business permits and licensing office to ensure that all registered establishments in the city are equipped with the right fire equipment as well as provided with fire exits that are inspected regularly in coordination with the engineering department.

The local disaster and coordinating council were also reminded by the mayor to schedule the holding of regular fire drills and lectures in all public and private schools.

In a report submitted to Tiangco by Chief Insp. Felix Medes, BFP-Navotas City Fire Marshal, 15 fire incidents were registered last year.

Electrical, structural and rubbish fires were traced as the causes of these incidents.

Meanwhile, Tiangco assured the public that the city government is always on alert, together with the disaster council, fire department, volunteer groups and the Navotas Joint Rescue Team headed by John Rey Tiangco.

?I always believe that it is better to be safe than sorry,? he added. ?I ask my fellow Navoteños to be vigilant, alert and cooperative. Let us join hands to ensure a fire-free summer in our city.?