DTI urged: Monitor sale of substandard gadgets

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City acting mayor Edgardo Labella is calling the attention of the Department of Trade and Industry to strictly monitor all business establishments selling electronic products following reports that a China-made phone charger caused the fire in Barangay Apas Wednesday evening.

Labella suspects that most fires in the city are caused by low-quality devices that easily overheat.

 “I will write a letter to DTI, addressing to the present regional director, to inspect those selling electronic gadgets since these has been the cause of many fires especially the substandard cellphones or chargers,” he told reporters yesterday.

The initial investigation of the fire department showed that the fire in Sitio Fatima, Barangay Apas was caused by a mobile phone charger that was left unplugged.

Labella is also planning to tap all barangay officials to hold an educational campaign with regards to the use of substandard electronic devices.

“Mao na bantayan nato ang paggamit sa charger. Ayaw paggamit og substandard nga gadgets,” he warned the public to prevent the same incident which affected about 10 houses leaving 17 families homeless.

The city government through the Department of Social Welfare and Services has provided assistance to the affected families such as packed meals and starter kits. Each affected family will also receive P10,000 financial assistance from the city government.

 “The initial findings (revealed that) it belongs to the province of Cebu. I don’t think there is much of a problem since it’s a province-owned lot. I am sure the province also will seriously consider the fact that the issue on ownership will only be discussed later on,” he said.

“What is the immediate concern is the issue on calamity and disaster that these residents and their concerns must have to be addressed as soon as possible. At this point, let’s set aside the issue on ownership. Let us see to it that they are fed, that they are sheltered and they are given the necessary amenities as victims,” he added.

Labella reiterated the city’s policy that “No one will be dislocated by the reason of fire and there should be immediate clearing and re-blocking.”

The acting mayor, how-ever, said that there is no need for re-blocking since it only covered a small area.

“Upon the inspection of the city disaster team, they found out that it was only about 30 square meters that was affected because there were only ten houses closely built with each other. But we will clear the area. Clear the area from debris and give them the opportunity to go back,” said Labella.

The city will also provide construction materials to the affected house owners following the clearing operations that will be assisted by barangay workers and the city’s demolition team.      (FREEMAN)