Authorities begin dormitory check for school opening in June

With the school year due to open in less than one month's time, authorities have started inspecting dormitories and boarding houses to ensure the safety of students staying there. In Manila, radio dzBB reported Thursday that city inspectors initially inspected such establishments in Sampaloc district, near the city's University Belt. The teams had instructions to check the dormitories for fire exits, fire extinguishers and sprinklers. Inspectors also checked comfort rooms and bathrooms as well as garbage disposal systems. School Year 2010-2011 at the elementary and high school levels is scheduled to start on June 15. A separate report on dzXL radio said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Manila Engineering Department coordinated in the inspections, with the city government threatening to close down boardinghouses and dormitories with shabby facilities.

Earlier, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered fire inspections aside from tighter security in school zones in time for the opening of classes. Radio dzXL reported that DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Marius Corpus ordered a crackdown on fire traps. The DILG supervises the BFP and the Philippine National Police. On the other hand, Corpus “reminded" the PNP to secure against criminals school zones and sites where students stay. He said police should be on the lookout for drug dealers and criminals preying on students. Metro Manila police had said they will go on heightened alert a week before the start of classes. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV