ENHANCING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY AWARENESS AT BARANGAY BATASAN HILLS QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Fire incidents have become an increasing concern in the Philippines, particularly in highly urbanized and densely populated communities such as Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City. These areas are especially vulnerable due to the proximity of residential structures, which facilitates the rapid spread of fire. Such incidents result in significant property damage, loss of life, and social disruption. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of community-based educational strategies for fire prevention and safety awareness in enhancing the overall resilience of the barangay. The study utilizes a descriptive quantitative research design to evaluate the impact of educational fire prevention strategies. A total of 50 respondents were selected using stratified sampling, composed of 10 Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel, 10 barangay officials, and 30 community residents. Data collection was carried out using self-administered, hard-copy questionnaires, supported by interviews to gain deeper insight into participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness regarding fire safety. Findings revealed that the implementation of fire safety training and educational seminars was the most effective strategy in raising community awareness and preparedness. Respondents expressed strong agreement that programs conducted by competent agencies led to improved knowledge and response capacity. Structured program outlines and the presence of strong community support also contributed to program effectiveness. However, a key challenge identified was the limited accessibility of roads, which impeded emergency response operations, particularly the deployment of fire trucks and rescue teams. The study concludes that regular fire safety awareness campaigns, realistic fire simulation drills, and the distribution of safety kits can significantly improve community preparedness. In addition, coordination with local authorities to address road accessibility is essential for effective emergency response. These findings underscore the importance of continuous education and community involvement in fire prevention. Future studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects of educational strategies on actual fire response behaviors and community resilience.