Albay governor assures help for student hurt in Legazpi stage roof collapse
ALBAY Gov. Noel Rosal visits a student injured in the stage roof collapse in Legazpi City. (Gov. Rosal FB)
Albay Gov. Noel Rosal on Monday assured assistance to a student who was injured when the stage roof of the Penaranda Park in Legazpi City, Albay collapsed on Saturday due to heavy rain.
Rosal visited the student recovering in a hospital in Legazpi City and vowed continuous monitoring of the victim’s recovery.
“The child is already conscious and recovering. A follow-up CT scan on the head will be conducted before discharge to ensure safety,” Rosal said.
Rosal ordered the temporary closure of Peñaranda Park to the public while inspections and repairs are underway.
The contractor expressed deep concern over the incident that injured five students in an official statement.
FS Co Builders and Supply said that the roofing system was set for final inspection last week by the Provincial Engineer’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) but it was postponed due to the unavailability of key provincial engineers who were on official leave.
During a meeting on Sunday with representatives from the Provincial Engineer’s Office, DPWH 2nd District Engineering Office, DPWH-Bicol, and the Philippine National Police, officials recommended revising the project design from a retractable structure to a permanent roofing solution.
FS Co Builders deferred questions over the design and technical specifications to the DPWH-Albay 2nd District DEO as implementing agency.
The company said that they have shouldered the medical expenses of the victims and is in close coordination with the families to support their recovery.
“To prevent similar incidents in the future, we are implementing additional safety measures and working closely with concerned agencies to reassess and strengthen our construction protocols,” FS Co Builders said.
The mother of the student confirmed that a representative from the construction company has visited them and assured assistance.
The project is a joint venture with a controversial company, Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp. owned by a former congressman who is the brother of a Bicol-based party-list solon.
The four other injured students have been released from confinement.