

UVU


Article by Mikyla Gusto & Kathreen May Corpin
Proofread by: Marius Bragado & Franz Agaton
Bureau of Fire Protection - NCR

On January 25, 2026, the UST Volunteers for UNICEF held an event entitled “Kids Patrol: Little Heroes for a Safer Tomorrow,” focusing on empowering children through disaster preparedness at Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Elementary School.
The day started as Asst. Prof. Froilan Alipao, UVU’s adviser, delivered opening remarks and welcomed the children eager to equip themselves with new skills in safety and security.

The discussion began when the Bureau of Fire Protection - NCR led a lecture on what to do during emergencies. The children learned about the dos and don’ts of an earthquake crisis and participated in a simulation drill on how to respond during an emergency at the school. Afterwards, the BFP NCR presented an interactive demonstration on how to use a fire extinguisher properly.
Loot bags containing a mini first-aid kit, a whistle, hygiene essentials, snacks, and an educational leaflet were given to the children as a token of their participation. These items are chosen to encourage preparedness among the children.
“The constant ‘worth it’ moment talaga for me is seeing the laughter and smiles sa mga kids. That’s what makes every event that I attended really fulfilling, kasi all of these initiatives (ng UVU) are always all for the kids,” Mx. Robi Pajanonot stated.
Moving on, through the assistance of Ms. Ellyza T. Crisostomo, a member of the UST-Red Cross Youth Council, participants of the event were able to demonstrate their understanding of first aid from the earlier phase of the event. Which then proceeded with a simulation drill prepared by the staff as the final activity.
The day turned out to be productive not only with the learnings earned by the children of Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Elementary School, but also with the hearts of the participants and project heads who served to give the best experience for the kids.
The event has garnered its fair share of challenges, but nothing that one of the project heads, Mx. Pajanonot, could not handle. From planning and preparation to last minute changes, these unforeseen circumstances that have come up were resolved quickly, as the time spent with the children has made the experience all the more worth the effort.
“Kapag naririnig mo na sinasabi sa’yo ng mga kids na: ‘sobrang nag-enjoy po ako’, ‘ate balik po kayo’, ‘masaya po’, it really pushed you to do more for them and to continue advocating for them,” Mx. Pajanonot said. Her answer came from thought and concern, all the more cementing the care for the kids for whom UVU stands.
“We should create a safe space for the children wherein they are encouraged and empowered.” Mx. Pajanonot added, speaking not only for herself, but for the organization as a whole. With the alarming rate of climate and environmental crisis, it is important that children are included in the conversation of emergency preparedness. Through this event, children are not only empowered, but also equipped with the right resources and knowledge to be alert when crises should come.
The Bureau of Fire Protection - NCR is a government agency responsible for preventing and suppressing destructive fires. They also respond to man-made and environmental crises, ensuring the safety and protection of the Filipinos.

Ms. Ellyza T. Crisostomo
09 BATA BALITA INSIDER | KIDS PATROL: LITTLE HEROES FOR SAFER TOMORROWS