Gotta Burn 'em All

If there’s a man-made disaster a Filipino would hate, I would say it is fire. Ever since, we’ve been a victim of numerous fire incidents that destroyed not just the building, but also the lives of many. Stated in an article called “Tragedy of fires: Death and destruction in the Philippines”, fire incidents at the Kentex Manufacturing factory, the Ozone Disco Club, and the 2001 Manor Hotel are known as the three worst fire incidents in the country that led to the death of a huge amount of people. And up to now, this disastrous fire is continuously creating victims.[1]

The government has been aware of these fire incidents and is creating ways in order to prevent it. One of which is establishing a law that will be very helpful in fire prevention-- the Republic Act No. 9514 or also known as the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008. Stated in this law are a set of rules and regulations, building standards, and safety measures that protect the building users from harm caused by fire. Take note that there are different standards for a specific type of occupancy such as the means of egress. Other examples of requirements included in the fire code are the proper door swing, travel distance to a fire exit, and providing fire exit signage. Even the materials to be used and the fire suppression system are included in order to fulfill its goal of ensuring the safety of the general.[2]

Architects and other related professionals carry a big responsibility for the safety of their users. And as an architecture student, we should now start to comply with the requirements and apply these standards in our designs and plans to practice ourselves in creating a safe place for our future users. Let us all burn the possibilities of having more and more fire incidents that destroy one’s life by obeying this law.

Sources:

1. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2018/03/21/tragedy-of-fires-death-and-destruction-in-the-philippines/

2. http://bfp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Fire-Code-of-the-Philippines-2008-IRR.pdf