QC dorms undergo fire safety inspection before start of school

The Bureau of Fire Protection and local government officials conducted a fire safety inspection of several dormitories in Quezon City on Monday to ensure the safety of student-tenants weeks before the resumption of classes.

A report by GMA News' Chino Gaston on Balitanghali showed officials inspecting a dormitory near Katipunan Avenue that has complied with the fire code by having an automated sprinkler system, fire extinguishers, and fire exits.

BFP Fire Safety Enforcement Section Sr. Insp. Gilbert Aldiz said the inspection not only ensures the safety of the students, but also lessens the dormitory owners' liability in case of a fire.

"Para naman ito sa kaligtasan ng mga bata at saka sa kanila din naman ito; kung may mangyari man at least ma-minimize yung kanilang pananagutan. Matuto na doon sa mga nangyari na maraming namatay na estudyante dahil may kakulangan sa safety features ng building," Aldiz said.

"Dahil malapit na ang opening ng classes, so pinapa-inspect [ni Mayor Herbert Bautista] kung maayos ang mga dormitories," said QC Business Permit Licensing Office license inspector Ronnie Miclat.

The report said Quezon City has a total of 61 dormitories, including 16 in Fairview and 15 in Loyola Heights.

The BFP looks into adequate ventilation, security measures such as CCTV cameras, emergency lights, fire alarms, and fire exits when it conducts fire safety inspections.

Violators can either face penalties or closure of the dormitory, the report said. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/BM, GMA News