Inspection of boarding houses set
Boarding House Commission (BHC) is set to conduct inspection of boarding houses in the city in preparation for the opening of classes next month.
Currently, a total of 220 boarding houses were able to renew their permits to operate.
Of the number, 42 are in the City Proper area, 40 in Arevalo district, Jaro, 65; Molo, 29; and La Paz, 44.
According to Marita Geremias, chairman of BHC, boarding houses without permits to operate are still the number one problem of the commission.
They are presently monitoring more than 500 boarding houses without permits.
She said that more than half of the last year’s record has not yet renewed their permit.
Geremias added they will prioritize to inspect those that failed to renew their permits last year and those that are reportedly operating illegally.
The chairman also said illegal boarding houses will be closed and their permits suspended once caught.
The BHC encouraged boarding houses to put up the signage “WANTED: BOARDERS”.
Aside from making sure that the boarding houses have permits, the BHC is also tasked to inspect its facilities and make sure that they are clean, safe, have functioning fire exits and water facilities, among others.
He said they will also regulate houses for rent, lodging houses, rooms for rent, dormitories, and apartments, including real estate lessors.
The BHC has tapped the Iloilo City Police Office, City Engineering’s Office, City Health Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection in the enforcement of the city’s regulations on boarding houses.
