BAGUIO CITY – Business establishment owners in the city are more compliant to fire safety requirements as shown by the 86.11 percent decrease in the number of Notice To Correct (NTC) issued by the Baguio City Fire Station (BCFS) last year compared to 2015.
There was also a 2.73 percent increase in the number of inspected buildings and business renewals and a 22.68 percent rise in the amount of fire code fees collected in 2016 due to the intensified implementation of Republic Act 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines.
This was reported by BCFS fire officer Jocelyn Depidep in Monday’s flag-raising ceremonies at City Hall in celebration of Fire Prevention Month with the theme: “Buhay at Ari-arian ay Pahalagahan, Ibayong Pag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa Sariling Pamamahay Simulan”.
Due to the Safe Baguio Project initiated by City Fire Marshall Joe Fernand Bangyod, she said that there was a remarkable decrease in fire incidents and in the amount of damages last year.
Depidep added that the BCFS conducted 59.1 percent more fire safety seminars and 25 percent more fire drills last year than in 2015.
The agency organized 12 fire brigades and 594 volunteers were trained last year showing a 50 percent and 149 percent increase, respectively, as compared to 2015. The BCFS also had a 3 percent rise in the number of Certificate of Competency (CoC) issued and 17 percent increase in “Ugnayan Sa Barangay” attended and conducted in 2016.
“The agency wishes to reiterate that fire safety is always a necessity. We all have to observe fire safety measures at home and elsewhere. Please bear in mind that fire is a good servant but a dangerous master,” she stressed.
Depidep pointed out that the BCFS also responded to 218 medical assistance and 47 vehicular accidents last year. They also assisted during the Miss Universe visit, the PMA Alumni Homecoming, the Panagbenga Festival and continue to assist in the on-going night market at Harrison Road.
“The increase in the fire prevention aspect of this agency’s mandate reflects it’s personnel’s devotion to their sworn duties and responsibilities to preserve lives and properties thru proper information dissemination, capability building and constant reminders to the public on the perils associated with devastating fires,” she said. /Gaby Keith and Rebecca Tial (pio intern)#