BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong reconstituted the composite team conducting inspections of hotel lodging dormitories, boarding dormitories and tenement houses in the city.
The periodic conduct of inspections both announced and unannounced is one of the city’s measures to ensure that students staying in these are provided the needed facilities.
In Executive Order no. 149 series of 2019, the mayor named the following to the composite team: SFO3 Raul Doctolero of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Arch, Johnny Degay of the City Buildings and Architecture Office, Engr. Charles Carame of the City Health Services Office, Patrick Great Espinola of the Public Order and Safety Division, PCol. Johnny Balaki of the Baguio City Police Office, Allan Abayao of the Permits and Licensing Division and Patrick Rillorta of the Dept. of Labor and Employment.
“Various measures have been previously adopted and implemented by the city to address the growing and continuing influx of students providing them with the necessary facilities not only to cater to their comfort, security and well-being but more importantly to enhance the atmosphere that is conducive to their learning,” the mayor said.
In 2017, the city amended Ordinance No. 513 series of 1969 (An Ordinance Regulating the Management, Operation and Maintenance of Dormitories, Boarding Houses and Tenement Houses and Providing for other Purposes updating the obsolete regulations governing the management of lodging establishments in the city.
Ordinance No. 3 series of 2017 covers the provision of additional amenities for the convenience and safety of the boarders like well-ventilated study rooms equipped with reading tables, chairs and satisfactory Wi-Fi or internet connection for research purposes and installation of Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTVs).
The ordinance authorizes the composite team to conduct announced and unannounced inspections and submit a report with recommendations to the city mayor and the city council as basis for the issuance of their permits.
The representative of the BFP will check on the compliance with the requirements of Republic Act 9514 or the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines; the CBAO compliance with Presidential Decree 1096 or the National Building Code; the city health services office on the compliance with Presidential Decree 856 or Health and Sanitation Code of the Philippines; the public order and safety division to monitor and oversee compliance with pertinent laws; the BCPO to ensure compliance with the CCTV requirement, require owners to submit a list of their boarders, maintain a master list and check on compliance with curfew laws; the permits and licensing division to ensure their compliance with permits and fees required; and the DOLE on compliance with labor laws.
The inspection will again be conducted by the composite team before the renewal of business permits will be granted each year.
Violators will be meted fines ranging from P1,000 to P2,000 for the first two offenses and revocation of business permit and closure of the establishment for the third and succeeding offenses. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
