BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – With the continuing crackdown on unregistered boardinghouses, more than 16,000 boarders in the city are on the verge of being displaced.
Given the looming shortage and high demand for boardinghouses, this situation raises the question: will it lead to a boardinghouse crisis in the city?
How will the city government assist these affected boarders?
Following a deadly fire that claimed two lives in Barangay San Nicolas, La Paz district on February 18, personnel from the Office of the Building Official (OBO), the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP), and the Boarding House Commission (BHC) continue to inspect boardinghouses. Their goal is to identify the unregistered to ensure they comply with local regulations and are safe for occupancy.
Based on BHC records in 2023, there are 2,713 boardinghouses spread across the city’s seven districts. So far, the commission has inspected more than 211 boardinghouses.
Engr. Mavi J. Gustilo, chief of the OBO, reported that they inspected about 184 boardinghouses and apartments in various barangays within La Paz. They discovered that about half of these are operating without business permits, and only seven boardinghouses have valid occupancy permits.
Mayor Jerry Treñas earlier ordered the closure of boardinghouses operating without permits.
“We are very serious about ensuring the well-being of our boarders. Closure orders will be issued for all businesses operating without permits,” said Treñas.
He yesterday confirmed signing an additional 12 closure orders for boardinghouses operating without business permits.
The mayor gave the affected boarders 10 days to find new accommodations.
Treñas assured the boarders of financial assistance from the city government. The city is still in the process of establishing criteria as the basis for the financial aid.
The mayor also issued a memorandum circular requiring all barangay captains to submit a master list of boardinghouses within their jurisdiction.
“Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining safety standards and proper regulation,” Treñas emphasized.
Likewise, Treñas ordered the City Legal Office to review the ordinance on the BHC regarding the composition of its personnel.
Regulation Ordinance No. 00-01, known as the Ordinance Regulating the Operation of Boarding Houses in the City, prohibits boardinghouses from operating without permits.
Section 2 of the ordinance states, “No person shall own, keep, maintain, operate, or conduct any house or place for the accommodation of boarders or bed spacers for compensation or rent without first having obtained a mayor’s permit, sanitary, fire safety inspection permit, and paying the required fees.”/PN
