Oplan Ligtas Na Pamayanan In The Province Of Antique: Its Effectiveness And Impact On Community Fire Safety

Abstract

Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan (OLP) of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) serves as the organization's flagship program to promote fire prevention at the grassroots level.  Although reports indicate a connection between OLP implementation and reduced fire incidents, fire hazards in residential areas continue to pose a serious threat to public safety. The study aims to determine the level of effectiveness of the program and its impact on community fire safety. It involves quantitative data collection from barangay officials and residents, and is complemented by secondary sources. Data gathering tools include researcher-made questionnaires and official records from the program implementers. Findings revealed that the OLP program and all its component activities have been evaluated as highly effective by barangay officials and residents due to its immersive, interventional, and participatory approaches. It has led to a decrease in residential fires and fire-related deaths. However, there has been an increase in fire-related injuries, due to external factors like the pandemic and limited program implementation. Overall, the OLP program has demonstrated a positive impact on community fire safety.