LGUs urged to inspect student dormitories, shut down fire traps

To ensure the safety of students living in dormitories, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Sunday urged local government officials in the metropolis to conduct random inspections before the opening of classes in June to ensure that these follow fire safety regulations and standards.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino issued the reminder during the agency’s Sunday radio program following last week’s fire that razed a slipper factory in Valenzuela City and killed 72 people.

Tolentino asked local building officials and the Bureau of Fire “to vigorously inspect dormitories, schools and similar structures early to give building owners adequate time to comply with fire safety requirements this summer.”

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so the adage goes. Taking advantage of the summer vacation on the part of building owners to correct deficiencies that may be discovered by inspection teams will go a long way to keep the students out of harm’s way,” he said.

He also reminded city building officials to make sure that dormitories have adequate and functioning fire exits, alarm systems and other safety equipment. Tolentino added that inspectors should also examine the living conditions of students in dormitories, especially those housed in “dingy and inhumane quarters.”

“All those without mandatory fire safety requirements constitute a clear violation of the Fire Code of the Philippines and as such, violators should not be left unpunished,” he said.

“However, it is not only the job of government agencies and LGUs to make sure that buildings are safe from fires. It is also the responsibility of the establishment owner to ensure the safety of the structure and detail a public safety officer,” Tolentino added.