Residents need emergency exit, ask City Council’s help

CEBU, Philippines - The residents of Sitio Sto. Niño Compound in Barangay Pahina Central, Cebu City appealed before the City Council to intervene in the urgent construction of an emergency exit for the compound.

In a letter to the members of the council, Barangay Councilman Roy Batiquin said that should there be emergencies like fire alarm, typhoon, or earthquake, residents have only a one-meter-wide alley for their access.

“The right of way to N. Bacalso has been closed since the construction of the Cebu South Bus Terminal and very recently the exit to Sanciangko Street has also been fenced after the adjoining private lot is bought by a Muslim group,” the letter reads.

The barangay council has seen how worried the residents are, which prompted them to request for the assistance of the City Council. With this, the barangay officials planned to resolve the problem which was presented to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children.

“We have made a plan to construct or install an Emergency Gate at the back of Regino Mercado Elementary School which will be opened only during said conflagration.”

Batiquin said that the school principal, Mrs. Maricon Gumba, was already informed of the plan since she was able to attend the session. However, Batiquin said that Gumba seemed adamant to the request, saying that this kind of cases are usually turned down.

The City Council has referred the letter to the committee on education and local school board for perusal.

In a separate letter written by Batiquin to Gumba, he stated that all labor and materials will be provided by the Sto. Niño Compound Association. Batiquin said that the emergency gate that would be constructed in the school will only be used should there be emergencies.

“There will only be three keys available and shall be kept only by the principal, president of the association and barangay captain,” says the letter.  (FREEMAN)