Barangay Tangub emerged as champion in the Barangay Community Fire Auxiliary Group (CFAG) category of the 1st Mayor Greg Fire & Rescue Olympics 2026 and the fourth year of the BFP-initiated program, held at the Bacolod Government Center grounds March 19.
The competition highlighted the growing strength of community-based fire response efforts in Bacolod.
With an average score of 88 percent, Barangay Tangub secured the top prize of P20,000, besting four other competing barangays in a series of physically demanding and skill-based challenges designed to simulate real-life emergency situations.
Tangub kagawad Paula Arca, who also served as coach, credited their victory to preparation, teamwork, and heart.
“I told them to simply play for our barangay. During the first Fire Olympics, we won, and this time we really trained for three days, even with new members. Just play with all your heart,” Arca said.
She added that beyond the competition, the experience provided valuable learning. “We learned new things for emergencies.”
Barangay Granada placed second, and Barangay 2 in third place, the city said in a press release.
The event, held in line with Fire Prevention Month, and anchored on the theme “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa”, gathered firefighters, rescue personnel, barangays, private companies, and students in a dynamic showcase of preparedness and unity.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a message read by executive assistant Richard Chiu, emphasized that the activity goes beyond competition.
“This is not an ordinary activity. This is a celebration of courage, discipline, preparedness, and public service,” Gasataya stressed. “This is not just about physical strength or technical skill. This is about readiness, teamwork, and building a culture of excellence in emergency response.”
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bacolod director, Christian Nagaynay, said the Fire Olympics strengthens awareness, camaraderie, and coordination among responders.
City fire marshal, F/Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, underscored the importance of protecting lives above all. “This Fire Prevention Month serves as a reminder that life is precious. Our primary goal is that no life will be lost. Properties can be replaced and we can start over, but when a life is lost, that is the most tragic.”
Meanwhile, Councilor Psyche Marie “Pao” Sy expressed pride in the growth of the initiative. “During our first Fire Olympics, we only had a few participants and it was limited to the barangay level. Now, I am very proud because it has grown significantly through the efforts of our BFP and fire marshal. Hopefully, next year, this will grow even bigger.”
The Mansilingan Agro-Industrial High School, on the other hand, defended its championship title in the high school category, with an average score of 87.41, and bagged P15,000.
In the company fire brigade category, the Ayala Capitol Fire Brigade also achieved a back-to-back victory with an outstanding 99 percent average score, earning P20,000.
All other participating teams each received P3,000 in consolation prize.
The Fire Olympics featured events, such as the fire hose down challenge, bucket relay challenge, emergency medical challenge, and tug-of-war, alongside ceremonial highlights, like the parade of participants, lighting of the Fire Olympics torch, and a water salute.
The city government of Bacolod, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection, also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and empowering communities through training, collaboration, and shared responsibility, as Gasataya noted that “true strength lies not only in skill but in service, unity, and the shared mission of protecting lives.” ||
