SAFETY STANDARDS. A joint inspection team from the Baguio City government conducted on Aug. 28, 2022 a surprise inspection and ordered 15 accommodation establishments to correct the safety and health violations found. With the discovery, an ordinance seeking to regulate the operation of accommodation establishments, including transients, is being tackled by the city council. (PNA file photo by PIO-Baguio)
BAGUIO CITY – The city council has approved on first reading the proposal that seeks to regulate the use and operation of transient houses which must adhere to safety and health standards.
Jordan Habbiling, public information officer of the Baguio City Council, said the council hopes to make the operation of transient houses covered by permits, thus must be compliant with the zoning ordinance, have specific bedroom accommodation, a particular period of stay, and not be used for non-residential purposes.
"There is a need to regulate transient lodging facilities in the city to ensure safe, healthy, and non-discriminatory housing arrangements for transient users through a regular licensing inspection program,” he said in an interview Tuesday.
As most of these are in residential areas, Habbiling said the property owner shall be responsible for the safety and welfare of all transient visitors, preserve peace of the community, and maintain the property following city ordinances.
"The proposed ordinance also mandates transient visitors to maintain peace and not create noise or disruptions to the neighborhood," he said.
Under the proposed ordinance filed by Councilor Leandro Yangot, proper disposal of waste is required and there should be a provision for parking to avoid apprehension when using the streets as the city implements the no-road obstruction policy.
City tourism officer, Engr. Aloysius Mapalo, earlier said they received at least five complaints from unhappy transient clients against service providers who are not able to meet their promises.
More tourists prefer transient houses given their costs cheaper than hotels and allow them to cook food.
A joint inspection team from the city government conducted on Aug. 28 a surprise inspection of at least 15 dormitories and accommodation establishments operating near major universities.
These establishments were ordered to correct violations of safety and health standards that pose risks to the lives of the occupants. (PNA)
