Additional building safety rules to be implemented in Davao City

BUILDINGS and other gathering areas in the city will soon be required to have photo-luminescent safety and directional markings leading to exit points as an additional safety measure in case of fire and other emergencies. The requirement is contained in an ordinance proposed by Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta last Jan. following the NCCC Mall fire in Dec. 2017 where more than 30 people died. The implementation of the new rule has been delayed due to changes in the leadership at the regional office of the Bureau of Fire Protection. The BFP and the Office of the City Building Official are in charge of implementation. Ms. Acosta said the ordinance covers business, educational and health care institutions; assembly areas; storage facilities; and other facilities catering to any form of gathering with a minimum of 50 persons. The councilor said all establishments already occupied prior to the enactment of the ordinance are given six months to comply, while new establishments will be required to comply upon the issuance of building occupancy permit. — Carmencita A. Carillo