Fire prevention and management

More than 200 families in three sitios of Barangay Tejero, Cebu City were affected by what has been described as the worst fire yet to hit an urban community. Councilor Alvin Dizon sent in this call for assistance for the fire victims through the following contact numbers: the Barangay Tejero hall (4166773) or 4167277 c/o Barangay Captain Jingjing Cadungog and Kagawad Garry Lao.

Sadly, all those in urban poor communities are always vulnerable to fires and other disasters/calamities given the heavy congestion , the quality of their housing materials, the lack or absence of functioning facilities, among other aggravating factors.

Until government officials accord real concern and service to meet the welfare and basic needs of the urban poor, sadly, they will continue to remain vulnerable to human-made, as well as natural challenges.

For now, it may be best to encourage the urban poor to organize fire prevention awareness campaigns and teams ready to deal with emergencies in their areas. We have suggested this to Councilor Dizon, that the city council go through fire and other disaster awareness and management sessions. With strong participation and cooperation of informed residents and barangay officials, Councilor Dizon and the rest of the city officials can set up and install effective emergency teams and brigades throughout the city.

Each emergency brigade has to ensure continuing disaster awareness sessions with the community residents. The emergency brigade can also map out emergency routes for assisting rescue teams with their rescue vehicles and facilities. Each community emergency brigade should also regularly check and coordinate with proper city agencies and offices about the availability or absence of functioning water and other important facilities needed for different types of emergencies.

A checklist of these important facilities and resources can be posted and regularly updated both by the barangay and city government. Schools and other sectors within the community can be organized to map out their tasks and contribution for fire and other disaster prevention and management.

Preventive measures can go a long way in saving lives and possessions. Management teams are also urgently needed when fire or other disasters strike or are ongoing. Police should always be present to restore peace, order, and much needed protection and security from abusive elements who make it a rule to always take advantage of victims wherever possible.

With much experience with fires and other disasters, one would expect the local governments to have already set up relief centers with complete basic facilities especially adequate sanitary toilets and safe drinking water facilities, among other urgent necessities. Can we expect the local government units to prioritize the setting up of these disaster prevention and management education campaign, training and provision of rescue services and facilities?

Local governments will also benefit if they always consult and involve the community residents and officials in any activity intended for the communities. In the case of the settlement of the issue involving the informal settlers living along the Lahing-Lahing Creek in Barangay Mabolo, sincere consultation and trust among parties need to be pursued for a truly effective and humane resolution that will be favorable both to the local government and especially for the affected residents. 

At the moment, despite knowing the risks of residing along this dangerous creek, the residents are requesting for another extension period, this time to allow their children to complete their studies for this school year.

This request will not be difficult for Mayor Rama to accept.  Everyone looks forward to a fair, effective, humane and sustainable resolution of this very sensitive issue where the interests of various stakeholders need to be effectively balanced.

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