BFP conducts safety checks in Capitol buildings

Local

FIRE officers in Cebu City inspected the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, following a directive from Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to assess the building’s fire safety condition.

The initiative was prompted by Baricuatro’s initial assessment, during which she discovered several hazards.

The inspection, led by Cebu City Fire Marshal Supt. Tito Purgatorio, came after the governor expressed alarm over the Capitol’s lack of basic fire protection and emergency protocols.

In a press conference on Monday, July 7, Baricuatro said she was shocked upon discovering the absence of fire extinguishers in Capitol corridors, as well as the apparent lack of emergency exit procedures for employees and visitors.

In response, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) mobilized personnel from the Cebu City Fire Station to conduct a thorough inspection of both the executive and legislative buildings of the Capitol complex.

Fire officers entered individual offices and spoke with department heads while collecting data for their official report, which has yet to be submitted to the Office of the Governor.

In an interview after the inspection on Wednesday, SF02 Wendell Villanueva, media relations officer of the Cebu City Fire Station, told the media that fire personnel identified several items that required urgent attention.

However, the fire officer refused to divulge specifics, saying he is waiting for the final report of the inspection, which is expected to be checked by the governor on Monday.

Villanueva said these findings underscored the need for immediate improvements in the Capitol’s fire safety infrastructure.

He said during the inspection, BFP personnel surveyed the layout and conditions of various Capitol offices, identifying deficiencies that could pose risks in the event of a fire.

Although they have yet to finalize their recommendations, Villanueva disclosed that the fire bureau may advise the provincial government to acquire more fire extinguishers and alarm systems.

He said this along with the implementation of regular fire drills and seminars for Capitol staff.

“Aron simbako kon dunay kasikas, ang tanan natong empleyado diri’s Kapitolyo well-equipped unsaon nila paggawas sa building nga safe,” Villanueva said.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring that employees are properly trained to evacuate the building safely in case of an emergency.

He further said that Baricuatro’s proactive stance on the issue highlights her concern not only for public service but also for the security and well-being of government personnel.

“She is not just a People’s Governor, she is both security and fire safety conscious,” Villanueva told members of the local media after the inspection.

The activity marked the first formal fire safety inspection at the Capitol under Baricuatro’s administration.

It followed her directive for a building-wide evaluation after personally observing the lack of safety equipment and unclear evacuation procedures during her rounds.(MyTVCebu)