• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The proposed ordinance prohibiting the leaving of minors unattended in homes, and exposing them to fire hazards, was approved on first reading by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod May 28.
Councilor Celia Matea Flor, who authored the proposed Child Home Safety and Supervision ordinance, stressed the need to promote the rights and welfare of children through responsible parenting and preventing child endangerment, especially from fire and household hazards.
The proposal, co-authored by councilors Psyche Marie Sy, Lady Gles Pallen, and Simplicia Distrito, came following two fire incidents last week that claimed the lives of three children in the city.
These recent tragic incidents involving house fires caused by unattended candles have led to the deaths of the three children, aged one, six, and eight years old, all of whom were left at home without adult supervision.
“Children are particularly vulnerable to hazards, such as open flames, electrical appliances, and toxic materials when unsupervised, making it necessary to implement clear and enforceable safety measures at the household level”, hence the need to institutionalize preventive policies and response systems to protect them from avoidable home-related injuries or fatalities, Flor, chairperson of the SP Committee on Women, Gender, Family, Childcare and Development, stressed.
She said it is the responsibility of every parent, legal guardian, and adult caregiver to ensure a safe home environment and to prevent the exposure of minors to situations that may cause harm or death.
Section 4 of the proposal states that it shall be unlawful for any parent, legal guardian, or person exercising parental authority or custody to leave a minor unattended at home or in any dwelling place; in an environment where hazardous materials or conditions are present and unsupervised; and for failure to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of children at home.
“Where negligence results in serious injury or death of a child, appropriate criminal charges shall be filed,” the proposed ordinance stressed.
The Bureau of Fire Protection shall respond immediately to reports involving unattended minors, and shall coordinate with the Department of Social Services and Development for emergency home assessments and necessary interventions, including temporary shelter or protective custody for affected children, it said.
Emergency hotlines for reporting violations and emergencies shall be activated in every barangay, Flor added. | CGC
