John Arcilla Takes on Intense Fire Service Training and Gains Newfound Respect
JOHN ARCILLA – Before Fire Prevention Month even began, John Arcilla immersed himself in hands-on fire service training.
Award-winning actor John Arcilla recently took on a different kind of role, one rooted in real-life bravery and service. Even before the celebration of Fire Prevention Month this March, the seasoned performer immersed himself in fire service training as a fire safety ambassador of the Bureau of Fire Protection Batangas.
The experience proved to be more than just symbolic participation. On Instagram, Arcilla described the training as an “eye-opening experience” that gave him a deeper appreciation of firefighters’ daily sacrifices and responsibilities.
“Just the experience of putting on the heavy jackets and fire gear—especially the gas mask—even for just a day made me understand so much. The rescue drills I went through helped me absorb how difficult it is for a firefighter to arrest wildfires,” said Arcilla in his post.
Beyond wearing the full firefighting gear, Arcilla also underwent rescue drills, CPR, and first-aid training. The physical demands alone were enough to leave a lasting impression on the actor.
“It was truly an eye-opener. A firefighter’s job is no joke, nor is it fun at all, but there is always a sense of ready-made joy in every successful pursuit and in saving people,” he added.
The experience reshaped his understanding of the profession on a much deeper level. According to Arcilla, it was no longer just about knowing what firefighters do—it was about feeling, even briefly, the weight of their responsibility.
“My respect and admiration for firefighters now go beyond mere awareness of what they do—it is about understanding how they risk their lives and consciously choose the responsibility of saving others.”
“Salute to firefighters. They are real-life heroes,” he also had a message for the firefighters.
Joining Arcilla in the training were actresses Elena Kozlova and Kate Yalung, who also serve as BFP Batangas ambassadors.
“We underwent basic firefighter training in Batangas City this week and it was not easy at all!” Kozlova says in her post.
“I am so very impressed with our firefighters who demonstrate immense bravery, courage and strength, as well as many special skills such as CPR and first aid on the daily—saving people’s lives,” she said.
“They are the real-life heroes and action stars. Ang laki po ng respeto ko sa inyong trabaho,” she added.
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