


June 10, 2009: Relief Operation at Araneta Avenue, Quezon City
EVP Lily Uy, VP Joseph Wee, Directors Carlos Polican, Henry Uy, Pepe Ngo, Kathy Ong, and Adviser Eddie Tan were joined by 45 other fire volunteers to offer relief goods to the fire victims of Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. Days ago, a big fire, set up by a mentally disordered man who locked himself up and later set himself on fire, caused 200 families to be homeless. The APVFBI group distributed 230 bags of goods and 5 sacks of clothes as an aid to these families.
May 30, 2009 & June 03, 2009: AH1N1 Seminar
A seminar for the awareness and preparation for the AH1N1 pandemic was held at the Headquarters auditorium last May 30 and June 3. The guest speaker for both seminars was Dr. Joseph Bacareza, the Association's Medical Director and the chief of Health Emergency Management Division of the Bureau of Fire Protection. A total number of 270 participants attended the seminars.
May 20, 2009: APVFBI and Manila Doctors Hospital MOA Signing
A memorandum of agreeement betweeen the Association and Manila Doctors Hospital was signed at the Metrobank Foundation Hall, Manila Doctors Hospital in UN Avenue, Manila last May 20. This agreement is for the benefit of volunteer fire fighters who are injured during the line of duty as they will be given a 20% discount for medical services provided to them by the Manila Doctors Hospital. The agreement is effective for 2 years. Atty. Pilar Nenuca P. Almira, Hospital Director, and Dr. Rex. M. Mendoza M.D., Administrative Director represented Manila Doctors Hospital in the agreement signing, while Francisco Guevarra, president; Lily C. Uy, EVP; and Carlos Polican, Sec. General represented the APVFBI. Witnesses to the MOA signing are, for Manila Doctors, Sherwin C. Chan, Head, Business Development Division and Mr. Joaquin Sy. For the APVFBI, it was VP Joseph Wee and Enrique Dy, Directors Henry Uy, Anson Ong and Kathy Ong, and Fire Marshall Mr. Gerie Chua and the deputy fire marshals.
Congratulations to SOLER VOLUNTEER CENTER 1, SUBIC 3, SUBIC 13, NEW MARKET VOLUNTEER M11, BINONDO PACO VOLUNTEER PATRIOT 17 for rescuing 2 patients, namely Conchita Lim, 65 years old and Nelson Chua, 67 years old at North Bay Boulevard fire and brought to the Metropolitan Hospital by Midtown rescue of Soler Volunteers C5 and S12.
In cooperation with the Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter and TXTFIRE Philippines, the first voluntary blood letting program under the administration of the new president, Mr. Francisco Guevarra (PAPA 1), was successfully concluded last Sunday, May 10, 2009 at the Association Headquarters in Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila.
Eager donors, from all walks of life poured into the venue as early as 7AM, an hour before it officially started. Many of them are active members of the TXTFIRE brigade, from which they heard the news from. There were also a number who are volunteers of the Association's member brigades: East Binondo, Paco, Pasay, Soler, Manila DJ, Biñan, South San Nicolas, Novaliches, Valenzuela, Gotesco, New Market, Tutuban, Tutuban Prime, Central Quiapo, New Village, Divisoria Allied, Dee Hwa Liong, and Cebu Volunteer.
An overwhelming number of 250 donors participated. These volunteers, having come from as far as distant provinces, came with the aim to donate blood and save lives. They each received a free special T-shirt emblazoned with the word “Blood Buddies” as a proud testament of their noble work. They also received free breakfast sponsored by the Cafe Mezzanine.
In cooperation with Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter and Cafe Mezzanine, a voluntary blood letting will be held at the Brigade Headquarters 2142 Leveriza Street, Corner Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila, Philippines on May 10, 2009 (Sunday) from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN. Donors will have a FREE special T-shirt and FREE breakfast. Come one come all, doing good deeds is good for your health!
The Association of Philippine Volunteer Fire Brigades, Inc. (APVFBI) celebrated two significant events – its 33rd Founding Anniversary and the 34th Induction of Officers Ceremony last April 28, 2009 at the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.
The evening affair was truly a night to remember, as Sofitel's Grand ballroom was filled to capacity with excited volunteers and equally delighted visitors.
Society's distinguished guests, with the likes of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, DILG Undersecretary Marius P. Corpus, PROC Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao, BFP Fire Chief C/Supt Rolando M. Bandilla, Jr., NCR Fire Marshall S/Supt Pablito D. Cordeta and Sandiganbayan Justice Rodolfo Palattao who represented Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim who was not able to make it to the event due to a prior commitment to the Global Mayors’ Conference at Chicago, USA, came and graced the event.
The evening kicked off with an entertaining introduction by two darling schoolgirls, a number of performing firefighters, and Sparky, the Fire Mascot, signifying the beginning of a fun and colorful night.
Such extravaganza was exemplified by the grand entrance of the outgoing President Mr. So Seng and his successor Mr. Francisco Guevarra. After the assembly of the Board of Directors on stage, all focus turned to Mr. So Seng, high up on the left side of the stage, slowly descending via a moving platform carrying him to level ground. He was greeted by Sparky, the Fire Mascot and a tumultuous round of applause. The warm welcome continued as Mr. Francisco Guevarra did the same from the right hand side of the stage. The two gentlemen met at the middle, shook hands and welcomed the crowd.
Honorable Senator and guest speaker Chiz Escudero then took the stage and delivered an inspiring speech in the native language, commending the Association's efforts and lauding its accomplishments. A plaque of appreciation was presented to the Senator before he took an exit to attend to other engagements.
More inspirational and heartwarming talks were delivered, including the speeches of outgoing President Mr. So Seng, newly inducted President Mr. Francisco Guevarra, DILG Undersecretary Marius P. Corpus, BFP Fire Chief C/Supt Rolando M. Bandilla, Jr., NCR Fire Marshall S/Supt Pablito D. Cordeta, Sandiganbayan Justice Rodolfo Palattao, PROC Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao, and Executive Vice President Lily Uy.
The formal oath taking ceremonies, officiated by DILG Undersecretary Marius P. Corpus, followed, but not before Secretary General Carlos Polican acknowledged the presence and thanked the distinguished guests of the Presidential Table.
Much to everyone's surprise, especially to the birthday celebrant, a big birthday cake was presented to Mr. So Seng to celebrate his 90th birthday, which coincided on that day. Officers and members gathered around and sang him a birthday song, to which he gratefully thanked.
The guests were then treated to a musical and visual enchantment with the spirited dance numbers performed by the CKSC College Dance Group, the emotional musical duet by Mr. Jayson Kiong and Ms. Ann Abigail Garza, and the sweet symphonies by the Serenata Voice Company.
Raffle prizes were given all throughout the program, with prizes ranging from cash to mobile phones to a brand new laptop computer.
The evening was hosted by the lovely Ms. Doronett Yu and the charming Mr. Bernard Chua.
The evening capped off with a meaningful toast by the incumbent president, Mr. Francisco Guevarra. Glasses were raised, confetti was showered. A toast to progress, a toast to a fire-safe future.
On April 28, 2009, Tuesday, 7:30PM the Association will be celebrating its 33rd Founding Anniversary and the 34th Induction of Officers Ceremonies at the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex, Pasay City.
Special guests:
Officers to be inducted into Office:
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