Capitol building fails to comply ‘simple fire protection mechanism’

Local

CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro bared several fire safety violations in the Provincial Capitol complex, citing findings from a comprehensive report submitted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) following a full inspection of the premises.

Baricuatro said the report revealed critical deficiencies in both the Executive and Legislative Buildings, ranging from missing fire protection systems and substandard electrical infrastructure to blocked exits and improperly stored hazardous materials.

“This is a safety issue. Sige ta storya diri og kalambuan ug progress unya our very own seat of power is not even complying with a simple fire protection mechanism,” she added on Wednesday, July 16.

The findings came after the governor earlier expressed concern over visible lapses in fire safety during her walkthrough of the Capitol at the start of the month.

Baricuatro said the Executive Building, the BFP found that there was no automatic fire sprinkler system and no fire detection and alarm system installed.

The inspection also noted that certain offices did not have alternate fire exits. Most of the building’s electrical installations were in poor condition and needed rehabilitation.

In addition, the number of automatic emergency lights was found to be insufficient, and the available fire exits were not enough to meet safety requirements.

Meanwhile, the Legislative Building was found to have a defective or non-functional automatic fire suppression system and a similarly defective fire detection and alarm system.

The fire exit stairs were deemed substandard. Emergency lights were again found to be insufficient, and obstructions were observed along designated fire exits.

The fire exit signage in the building was not illuminated, fire evacuation plans were not posted, and there were no panic hardware mechanisms or door closers on several exits.

The inspection also revealed that hazardous materials were being stored inside an electrical room.

The BFP conducted the inspection on July 9 after the governor ordered a full assessment of the Capitol’s compliance with the Fire Code of the Philippines.

Cebu City Fire Marshal Superintendent Tito Purgatorio led the inspection team, which included other personnel from BFP Cebu City.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Wendell Villanueva confirmed after the visit that they observed several issues but said the bureau would wait for the final report before disclosing specific violations.

That report was formally submitted to the Provincial Government on July 14.

Baricuatro had previously voiced concerns during a press conference on July 7, after she observed the absence of fire extinguishers in Capitol corridors, a lack of visible emergency exits, and the unavailability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

While records from the Provincial General Services Office showed that over 200 fire extinguishers were already deployed across Capitol offices, Baricuatro said additional units would be acquired if necessary and that the province welcomed BFP assistance in installing and distributing the equipment.

The BFP’s inspection also covered other structures within the Capitol compound, including the old Hall of Justice.

Among the hazards identified were burnt electrical outlets, which reinforced the need to assess and rehabilitate the Capitol’s electrical systems.

Villanueva emphasized the importance of accessible fire exits and clear escape routes as a critical component of any fire safety audit.

He also recommended reestablishing a fire substation within the Capitol compound to improve response times in the event of an emergency.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the results of the inspection support the governor’s initiative to improve workplace safety and ensure that provincial employees work in a secure environment.

He noted that Baricuatro’s three-year plan includes infrastructure upgrades that take into account both safety compliance and long-term functionality.

Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora confirmed that his office had already begun an inventory of the Capitol’s mechanical and electrical systems.

Leaks were previously reported in the Planning and Engineering departments, and his team is inspecting each office as part of an ongoing audit.

Jamora also noted that the lack of an as-built plan complicates the technical assessment but assured that any rehabilitation work would be coordinated with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), given the Capitol’s designation as a heritage site.

The Cebu Provincial Capitol, designed by architect Juan M. Arellano and inaugurated in 1938, remains one of the country’s most significant government buildings.(MyTVCebu)