Solon: A fire extinguisher in every house

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City South District Representative Eduardo “Edu” Rama is looking at requiring owners of residential structures to have portable fire extinguishers, as one of the measures against fire incidents in the country.

Based on the data of the Bureau of Fire Protection, there have been 11,383 fire incidents nationwide this year, where 5,170 of which are single and two-family dwelling occupants.

In Rama's proposed House Bill 6200 or "An Act Requiring Owners of Residential Building or Structures to Maintain Portable Fire Extinguishers,” it would require that every owner of any residential building or structure shall maintain portable fire extinguishers commensurate with the number of occupants and the frequency of occupancy, use, equipment contained in the residential building, and the hazard classification of the area.

"Residential fires, which rank as the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in the Philippines, are mostly caused by faulty electrical wiring or connections, unsupervised open flames, and neglected electrical equipment or gadgets," said Rama in his explanatory note.

Rama added that portable fire extinguishers are easy to use and require minimal training and orientation to operate.

“Installing and maintaining one at home may be helpful in abating and suppressing fire incidents as it would put out small fires before they get out of control; this would prevent injury, death and damage to property.” added Rama.

In this measure, low-income households shall receive subsidies or support from their respective local government units and the national government in purchasing the required portable fire extinguishers.

Rama added the budget for the initial implementation of the said Act shall be charged to the BFP Modernization Trust Fund under Republic Act 11589 or the "Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act."

Necessary budget within the city or municipality level in implementing the said Act on the other hand, shall be charged from all taxes, fees, and fines collected pursuant to RA 9514 or the "Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008.”

Mandaue Fire

Meanwhile, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said that the temporary shelter for the Looc fire victims will be constructed starting today near the Cebu International Center at the North Reclamation Area.

“Siguro mga three weeks lang na, mahuman nang ang ilang temporary shelter. Bag-ong tuig, Bag-ong balay, Bag-ong kinabuhi,” said Cortes in his speech during the distribution of financial assistance yesterday at the Mandaue City Sports Complex.

The mayor also announced the city government will also be distributing financial assistance to the fire victims wherein homeowners will receive P10,000 while the renters and boarders will get P5,000.

The massive fire that hit Sitio Paradise last November 22 left 670 families or 2,678 individuals homeless.

Senator Imee Marcos who attended the event said that she is glad that the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mandaue City Government for the construction of 14,000 affordable housing units in the city.

Cortes said that the housing units for the Looc fire victims are part of the 14,000 housing units that will be constructed in the city.

The 14,000 units are to be built in Barangays Looc, Opao, and Tipolo. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, GAN (FREEMAN)