Cebu City buildings lack fire sprinklers

CEBU, Philippines - There are still many buildings in Cebu City that do not have fire sprinkler system, which is one of the requirements under the country’s Comprehensive Fire Code.

These systems are meant to help prevent the spread of fires, and building owners are now given two years to comply with the law.

Fire inspectors in the city and those in other parts of the country had been ordered by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Rolando Bandilla to intensify inspections of buildings to find out which of them are not complying with the law.

Bandilla said the building owners will be given two years to install fire sprinklers in their buildings, a requirement under Republic Act 9514 or the Comprehensive Fire Code. He added that the two-year period is aimed to give building owners enough time to install the automatic fire suppression system (AFSS) or sprinkler systems in their respective buildings.

In his memorandum to all fire bureaus chiefs, Bandilla explained that the installation of the AFSS in buildings is one of the new requirements under the new fire code, which is now more stringent in implementing fire safety measures.

The fire fighters said the installation of automatic fire facility that will spray water once it detects intense heat has been proven to be of great help in ensuring fire safety in establishments.

The implementing rules and regulations of RA 9514 became effective on November 18, 2009.

Old buildings that were not required to install automatic fire suppression system under the old law are now required to install it under the new law.   - (THE FREEMAN)