*** S.C. Aro/PIA-Benguet
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Department of Energy is appealing for the support of stakeholders such as the local government units and the business sector in ensuring the protection of the Liquefied Petroluem Gas (LPG) industry and uphold consumer safety.
Robert Cardinales of the Department of Energy detailed the illegal activities which are proliferating in the LPG industry which need the support of LGUs and the business sector in dealing with such problems.
Cardinales presented this in an Orientation-Seminar on Consumer Protection held recently for members of the Benguet Provincial Peace and Order Council.
The activity under the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry – Benguet is in coordination with the Benguet Provincial Government and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
The appeal to LGUs is to take a strong public position on its support to stop illegal activities in the industry, the passage and implementation of local ordinances that will support the implementation of DOE rules and regulations on LPG, enforce the closure of erring LPG establishments as recommended by DOE, support public awareness program of the DOE on LPG safety and to support the passage of LPG Bill 551.
House Bill 551 authored by Rep. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Macapagal-Arroyo of the 2nd District of Pampanga and chair of the Committee on Energy seeks to establish measures to ensure accountability and responsibility among LPG industry participants in safeguarding the public from unfair trade practices and from acts that are hazardous to health and safety.
The call to business sector is to work towards self-regulation in ensuring compliance to national standards, employ international codes of practice as there is no local code, to refrain from selling to violators, coordinate with LGUs on the role of DOE and LGU and likewise strengthen IEC campaigns such as price, quality, quantity, fair and safe trade practices.
Among the illegal activities are unauthorized refilling of cylinders, underfilling, defective or no tare weight markings, proliferation of unbranded/substandard cylinders, tampering and conversion of cylinders, illegal use/ absence/defective seals, fake cylinders and seals, pilferage or “pa-ihi,” improper handling, installation and storage and the presence of many unqualified players.
Cardinales disclosed that DOE is frequently conducting surprise monitoring and inspection activities. However, LGUs can request the help of DOE for inspection with the involvement of the Bureau of Fire Protection, he said. *** S.C. Aro/PIA-Benguet
