DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio last Monday, July 10, divided into three the multi-agency task force that regulates persons handling and/or selling flammable and dangerous chemicals and other hazardous and toxic substances to the city.
Duterte-Carpio, in an Executive Order (EO) 29, divided the multi-agency task force into Inspection Team, Prosecution Team, and Information or Advocacy Team.
The multi-agency task force was tasked to conduct inventory, monitor compliance, inspections of all persons and entities handling and/or engaged in the business involving flammable and dangerous chemicals and other hazardous and toxic substance with due emphasis to those dealing with liquefied petroleum gases (LPG).
Duterte-Carpio, however, encouraged alternate-permanent members to the task force who will be named by the heads or chief of offices concerned to ensure prompt and continuous performance of their duties and functions.
City Information Officer Jefry Tupas, in an interview with VoxPop Davao on Wednesday, July 12, said their office was part of the Information and Advocacy Team that targets to let the public know the hazards of carrying and transporting dangerous substances.
Tupas said that they do not want a similar incident such as the April LPG tank blast in Bangkal that left many casualties.
"We are always tasked to inform the public and make them understand make them appreciate nga mag-cooperate sila sa city government task force in charge in this legislation. There are existing laws, so understanding i-split siya into three, para focused sa ilang mga roles (split into three to focus more on their specific roles)," he said.
He said that the members of the task force are now in the process of coordinating the existing laws so that it can be harmonized with the city's goal. (With report from CIO)