Afraid of a huge fire burning down your things? A survey by Honeywell indicates that 84 percent of Filipinos are. In fact, our country puts it as the number two threat to physical safety, with earthquakes being first (91 percent of respondents), followed by building collapses (84 percent), terrorism (64 percent), and floods (33 percent) at third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.
The survey was presented to members of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police during a Honeywell and American Chamber of Commerce co-organized forum titled “Towards a Safe and Secure Philippines.” The study involved 500 respondents who work or live near airports, hospitals, shopping malls, corporate offices, or hotels in Metro Manila.
Even though fire is a major threat to safety, only 17 percent of surveyed homes are equipped with fire alarm systems, a huge contrast to the 97 percent equipment rate of commercial buildings. The discrepancy can be traced to mandatory regulations to the installation of fire alarm systems in commercial establishments. Moreover, 92 percent of commercial buildings have regular fire system tests and 83 percent conduct periodic fire safety training.
“The low adoption of fire safety systems in Filipino homes is alarming” said Harish Vellat, Honeywell Security and Fire vice president and general manager for Asia Pacific. “Fire is one of the top threats people face, yet their homes are largely unprotected and there are no existing regulations to drive change. And 3 percent of commercial buildings are still without the required fire alarm systems, highlighting opportunity for better enforcement. Building owners need to protect workers and consumers by complying with government regulation.”
On the positive side, most respondents wanted stronger and stricter fire regulations, better enforcement, and increased public awareness drives. 75 percent of them also cites technology as the best way to mitigate fire risks.
“With government-led initiatives such as the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, we are confident in the growth outlook of the Philippines,” said Rick Santos, president of the American Chamber of Commerce. “Honeywell’s survey shows a strong need for better fire and security technology, and supports the government’s focus on expanding infrastructure development. The U.S. is committed to supporting the advancement of the Philippines in this area.”
Honeywell Security and Fire is a leading global manufacturer of electronic security and life safety technologies for commercial buildings, industrial sites, and homes worldwide.
In photo above: (from left to right) Gilbert Cruz, PNP police senior superintendent and PESE deputy director of the police community relations group at Camp Crame; Steve Cutler, American Chamber of Commerce co-chair of the security disaster resources group; Harish Vellat, Honeywell Security and Fire vice president and general manager for Asia Pacific; Leonardo Bañago, Bureau of Fire Protection chief superintendent and regional director for NCR; and Albert Chuabio ECE and group manager of the project sales group of Yek Yeu Merchandising, Inc.