MANILA, Philippines - While the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has been calling on the public to observe measures to prevent fires, some of its offices nationwide are themselves fire hazards.
Take the case of the BFP office at the ground floor of the old municipal building in Talisay, Sorsogon City, which is dilapidated as it’s already 83 years old.
The Sorsogon City central fire station, headed by Chief Inspector Renato Marcial, has posted warning signs in every corner of the building to inform the public of its being a fire risk.
The city also has two fire sub-stations in the Bacon district and Barangay Abuyog.
The BFP though owns only the Abuyog fire sub-station, and operates the two others through the help of the city government.
“Since the building (in Talisay) was constructed (using light materials) sometime in 1928, it is now decrepit and dilapidated. Its walls and ceiling are weak and may fall down anytime,” Marcial told The STAR.
During the rainy season, Marcial said his men have to cover all office equipment such as computers and printers as well as office supplies to prevent them from being drenched.
Marcial said he has tried to strictly enforce the Fire Code under Republic Act 9514 in all establishments in the city.
“However, some have passed judgment on this (effort) since they have seen that (our firefighters are housed) in a fire-hazardous building,” he lamented.
“We do not want to be likened to the Pharisees who do not practice what they preach,” he said.