Last Friday, April 11, 2025, was a full day of growth and awareness for the staff of LIGHT Main Office as they came together for an Upskilling and Reskilling Session that focused on two essential aspects of personal and workplace well-being — safety and security. The sessions were facilitated by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the morning and Pioneer Life Insurance Inc. in the afternoon.
The morning kicked off with an in-depth Fire Safety Drill and Orientation led by the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The session emphasized the importance of preparedness and awareness, with a key reminder: “Ang kahalagahan kasi nito, na-o-orient ‘yung mga establishment para hindi na magkaroon ng worst-case scenario.”
F01 Randay Dacles opened the session by discussing the nature of fire — its definition, elements, chemistry, and various characteristics. He also detailed the different classes of fire:
Class A: Ordinary combustible materials like paper and wood
Class B: Flammable liquids and gases
Class C: Electrical equipment
Class D: Combustible metals
Class K: Cooking oils and grease, common in kitchens.
Along with this, he introduced the methods of extinguishment, helping participants understand the proper approach depending on the fire’s class.
F02 Valerie May Arrozal then took over to discuss Portable Fire Extinguishers, including their structure, types, and the correct way to use them. She emphasized the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep — a crucial technique for effectively operating a fire extinguisher.
The session also tackled common fire hazards, preventive measures, and the importance of always matching the right extinguisher to the type of fire. The discussion concluded with an urgent yet proactive message:
“The Big One is inevitable,” referring to the anticipated earthquake in the region.
To practice this, an earthquake drill followed where staff participated in the Duck, Cover, and Hold exercise.
The highlight of the morning was the actual fire extinguishing exercise, where LIGHT staff had the chance to apply what they had learned in a controlled setting. This hands-on practice was guided by F01 Domingo Fabros Tambalo Jr., ensuring safety and proper execution.
The session strengthened both awareness and readiness, equipping the team with knowledge that could save lives in critical situations.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted from emergency response to long-term protection and security, as Christine Goli Cruz, resource speaker from Pioneer Life Insurance Inc., led the session titled “Orientation on Insurance Benefits.”
Ms. Christine provided a comprehensive overview of Group Term Life Insurance, an affordable insurance solution for groups such as employees or organizational members. She carefully discussed the scope of benefits, including:
Death Benefit – Financial support for the beneficiary in case of the insured’s death.
Accidental Death and Disability Benefit – Additional protection in case of accidental death or disability.
Terminal Illness Benefit – Support when diagnosed with a terminal condition.
Optional Rider Benefits – Customizable based on organizational needs.
Her presentation was both informative and empowering, offering clarity on how insurance can provide a financial safety net for families and a sense of security for the insured. The session also sparked discussions on real-world applications and how such benefits reflect the organization’s care for its people.