The Quezon City government has warned owners of dormitories and lodging houses for students to comply with safety and building regulations or face immediate closure.
A composite team from the QC Business Permits and Licensing Department and the Bureau of Fire Protection-Quezon City Fire Station conducted surprise inspections on a 40-room dormitory in Barangay Loyola Heights and an apartment in Cubao.
The inspectors found Sunrise Hill dormitory in Loyola Heights to have complied with regulations, while the owner of the Cubao apartment was out, prompting the city hall team to call off the inspection.
“Mayor Herbert Bautista wants us to check if the dormitories are in order because the opening of classes is near, to make sure these dorms are safe and ready for the students,” inspection officer Ronnie Miclat said.
“Our inspections are regular, and wherever area we are assigned to, the establishments there are what we focus on,” Miclat said.
He also acknowledged that several dormitories have not complied with the necessary permits.
“For sure there are some that have not complied, which we have not identified yet,” Miclat added. “But for those who do violate [the regulations], we give them notices.”
The Bureau of Fire Protection inspections also check if the dormitories have sprinklers installed, and there are no blockages at their fire exits.
“Dorms should comply to avoid untoward incidents. We issue notices of inspection for almost 40,000 businesses in Quezon City,” Senior Insp. Gilbert Valdez said.
To report dormitories or establishments operating without permits, the public is invited to contact the Business Permits and Licensing Department at telephone number 988-4242 local 8172 for any concerns.