A resolution urging the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Office of the President to review and amend the implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 9514 with regard to the mandatory installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings or structures, was filed by Bacolod Rep. Anthony Rolando Golez, Jr., a press release from his office said.

House Resolution No. 2582, was precipitated by the provision in the IRR of Republic Act No. 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 that requires all public and private buildings and structures to install an Automatic Fire Sprinkler System (AFSS), the press release said.

This is a major concern of Bacolod City building owners and businessmen in their efforts to comply with what the law asks, it said.

Bacolod City building owners and businessmen even coalesced and formed an Ad Hoc Committee for the fire sprinkler requirement and sought assistance from Golez, who requested DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo for a discussion with the Ad Hoc Committee, the press release said.

On July 11, 2012, Robredo sent Undersecretary Austere Panadero and Gina Wenceslao to Bacolod City and discussed the AFSS requirement with the Ad Hoc Committee led by Architect Ramiro Garcia, Jr. at Planta Hotel.

During the discussion, it was pointed out that the AFSS requirement is not suitable for all buildings. The participants in the discussion all agreed that some building owners may not be able to comply with the requirement because of the cost of the AFSS, the press release said.

Fire Chief Insp. Bartolome Beliran, newly installed Bacolod Fire Marshal, yesterday said the change of leadership does not change the law but they are open to amendment or changes as long as there is a directive from the higher office, he said.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he hopes the sprinkler issue will be resolved during the term of Beliran who paid a call on the mayor yesterday.

Leonardia suggested that Beliran take a good hard look at the matter that has been raised to the highest level of the DILG hierarchy, so if it again explodes, they will be ready for any eventuality.

Meanwhile, Beliran said former Bacolod Fire Marshall Chief Insp. Pamela Candido, who was his classmate, had done a very good job in Bacolod and that he considers his new assignment a big challenge for him since he is aware that he has a big shoe to fill.

Beliran said that since Bacolod City is a highly urbanized city, it is the dream of every officer to be assigned in areas such as this.

Leonardia said Candido had done a good job and was highly respected in the community. He welcomed Beliran with high expectations and assured him of their support and cooperation.*CGS

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