BFP starts inspecting schools and dorms

CEBU, Philippines - Lack of fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and alarm systems were just among the things observed by fire officials during the inspection they conducted yesterday in schools and dormitories.

Officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection yesterday conducted the inspection as part of their activities to secure the students with the opening of classes two weeks from now.

At their first stop in City Central School, fire marshal Esmael Codilla said they already observed discrepancies such as the lack of fire hoses, cabinets where these hoses should be placed, alarm systems and fire extinguishers.

Codilla said that in case of fire, the lone fire extinguisher can definitely not save the 4,650 students enrolled in the school. The five-story building has 123 rooms.

But Codilla and the rest of the officials commended the school’s fire exits.

Codilla said that the five-story Sto. Rosario Ladies Dormitory along P. Del Rosario Street, their next stop, is a perfect model for other dormitories and boarding houses.

He said the dormitory was equipped with the necessary gadgets in case of fire like the fire extinguishers secured at every floor of the building as well as emergency lights. All fire exits were also open, he added.

At Sta. Rita Ladies Dormitory along Pelaez St., the group noticed some problems.

Codilla said that emergency lights from first to the third floor were not functioning and fire exits were also locked. The administration, however, has vowed to correct the observations of the BFP.

Codilla said that in compliance to the national directive, they will continue the inspection until classes resume.

“Para malikayan g’yud nato kadtong nahitabo sa Bacolod nga nasunog ang boarding house ‘nya nangamatay tawn ang mga estudyante kay na-trap sa sulod,” he said. – THE FREEMAN