Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
AN ACT   
MANDATING THE INSTALLATION OF AN EMERGENCY FIRE SAFETY CABINET IN 
EVERY 300SQM OF AREAS WITHIN BARANGAY CANITOAN OF DISTRICT I, 
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
The safety of every Filipino is a basic human right. According to the 1987 Consitution, 
Article II, Section 5, the nation's primary goal is to safeguard the lives and general 
welfare of all people. This implies that everyone has the right to be safe from any danger, 
including fire-related incidents. 
Fire-related incidents can be devastating for individuals, communities, and the economy. 
Fire can cause significant property damage, disrupt businesses and economies, and lead 
to job losses and lost revenue. It can also cause psychological problems, such as post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in people who experience it, either as a victim or a 
bystander. In the worst case, it can take lives, regardless of age. 
Unpredictable fire-related incidents are extremely dangerous and deadly. A fire in 
Barangay 34 on President Sergio Osmen a Street in May 2023 claimed five lives. These 
kinds of tragedies could have been avoided or mitigated if every barangay in Cagayan de 
Oro had accessible and immediate access to emergency fire equipment. 
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection Region 10, there were a total of 439 fire 
incidents with a total estimated damage of PHP 20,943,900 in 2019 and a total of 305 
fire incidents with a total estimated damage of PHP 66,912,500 in 2020. The significant 
property damage, economic impact, and loss of life must be addressed promptly and 
effectively. 
Installing an emergency fire safety cabinet within 300 square meters in Barangay 
Canitoan can help to reduce or prevent fire damage. This will assist our community and 
the Bureau of Fire Protection in responding more quickly, particularly in narrow alleys 
and hard-to-reach neighborhoods. 
September 18, 2023
8:01 am
9166


The proposed measure aims to prevent and suppress fire incidents and other 
emergency situations in order to protect the property and precious lives of Kagay-
anons. 
In light of the preceding, this bill’s approval is fervently sought. 
LORDAN G. SUAN 
Cagayan de Oro City – 1st District 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT   
MANDATING THE INSTALLATION OF AN EMERGENCY FIRE SAFETY CABINET IN 
EVERY 300SQM OF AREAS WITHIN BARANGAY CANITOAN OF DISTRICT I, 
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Barangay Canitoan Fire-
1 
safety Act ”. 
2 
3 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. —  It is the policy of the state to protect the public 
4 
from the devastating effects of fire, which can destroy properties and even cause death. 
5 
The utmost priority of this bill is to prevent and suppress all types of destructive fires to 
6 
avoid further damage. 
7 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following words and 
8 
phrases shall be defined as follows: 
9 
a. Emergency Fire Safety Cabinet- A steel cabinet that stores fire equipment. It
10 
protects the equipment from dirt and damage and is mounted on the wall or floor
11 
for easy access in an emergency.
12 
b. Fire extinguisher- a portable device that discharges a jet of water, foam,
13 
gas, or other material to extinguish small fires or reduce their destruction
14 
before firefighters arrive at the scene.
15 
c. Firehose- A long, flexible hose that is used to spray water or other fire
16 
retardants on a fire. It is typically connected to a fire hydrant, fire engine,
17 
or portable fire pump.
18 
d. Firefighter Gloves- Gloves that are worn by firefighters to protect their
19 
hands from heat, burns, cuts, and scratches. They are typically made of
20 
thick, heat-resistant materials;
21 
e. Fireman’s Axe- A multipurpose tool used by firefighters to break down
22 
doors, cut through objects, and pry open debris for onsite emergencies
23 
9166


 
 
and different tasks to meet the requirements of a special rescue 
24 
environment. 
25 
 
26 
SEC. 4. Installation of Fire Safety Cabinet in B a r a n g a y  Ca n i t o a n ,  
27 
Cagayan De Oro City. There shall be an Emergency Fire Safety Cabinet that 
28 
contains equipment such as but not limited to firehose, fire extinguisher, 
29 
firefighter gloves, and fire axe in every 300sqm of areas within Barangay 
30 
Canitoan of District I, Cagayan De Oro City that shall be installed in 
31 
conspicuous areas such as walls of dwellings or concrete walls of buildings. 
32 
These firehoses shall serve as water pipelines for fire control and safety. 
33 
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within six (6) months from 
34 
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Interior and Local Government 
35 
(DILG), in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other 
36 
relevant agencies and with the participation of the Sangguniang Barangay 
37 
Cagayan De Oro City, shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the 
38 
provisions of this Act. 
39 
SEC. 6. Funding. The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act 
40 
shall be charged against the available current year’s appropriation of DILG. 
41 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of 
42 
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
43 
 
44 
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. — If any portion of this Act is declared unconstitutional 
45 
or invalid, the portions or provisions which are not affected shall continue to be in full 
46 
force and effect. 
47 
 
48 
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules, and 
49 
regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed, amended, or 
50 
modified accordingly. 
51 
 
52 
SEC. 9. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
53 
in the Official Gazette or a website provided for by law. 
54 
 
Approved,