Commission to start checking boarding houses
With a few weeks left before the start of school year 2007-2008, the Iloilo Boarding House Commission (IBHC) will start inspecting boarding houses to ensure that they meet the standards set by the city government.
IBHC chief Mayet Geremias said they are set to visit all boarding houses in Mandurriao district starting tomorrow. The commission will be accompanied by representatives from the City Health Office, City Engineers Office and Iloilo City Fire Service Unit.
Geremias said other than Mandurriao district, they will likewise visit boarding houses located in university belts in Molo, Jaro, La Paz and City Proper. The inspection is a yearly undertaking of the commission to ensure the safety and security of students staying in boarding houses.
Prior to their inspection, the commission will also call for a meeting with boarding house owners and apartment owners.
The owners who do not have permits to operate were advised to comply with the necessary permits to operate a boarding house.
Geremias noted that a lot of boarding house owners are not aware of the requirements needed although the boarding house ordinance existed for several years already.
Geremias said each boarding house should have one comfort room for every ten boarders, one for female boarders and one for male boarders. There should also be an escape window for boarding house with second floors and with steel window grills.
Each room should have proper ventilation and enough space for the boarders. And there should also be a contract between the owners and the renters. This is also to protect the boarders from the sudden increases imposed by the owners.
House rules should also be written clearly, said Geremias.