MANILA, July 3 (PNA) — Shortage in fuel supply will not be a problem in case a disaster strikes as the oil companies committed to ensure fuel is available during critical period.
The Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP), composed of the country’s leading oil companies, signed yesterday the implementing guidelines of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with key government agencies, to ensure stable fuel supply in Metro Manila in cases of disaster, arising from earthquakes, typhoons, floods, fire, and spills.
“We institutionalize our commitment, cooperation, communication, and coordination because much of the responsibility in responding to disasters lie on our government, specifically to our disaster management agencies,” said PIP president K. Sukanya Seriyothin.
The MOA and its implementing guidelines, signed with the Department of Energy (DOE), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC), is the first of its kind in the country.
DOE Undersecretary Raul Aguilos, NDRRMC Executive Director Alexander Pama, and MMDA General Manager Corazon Jimenez lauded and welcomed the PIP’s initiative.
“DOE fully supports and commit the entire DOE machinery in order for this program to be very successful. There’s no substitute for preparedness. DOE welcomes this opportunity to be of help,” said Aguilos.
Looking at the risk and its totality, Pama urged PIP member companies to look deeper and improve their respective business continuity plans so they will not address the disaster response aspect only but also in an all-encompassing manner.
“We have seen shortcomings and never again shall it happen. This activity we are doing right now is a manifestation that we are going toward that direction,” Pama added.
The guidelines detail the roles of each signatory, and the framework and areas of cooperation.
The DOE is the primary contact point between government and the petroleum industry and will take the lead in the development of a Disaster Management Plan.
The MMDRRMC and the NDRRMC will provide a list of staging areas; coordinate with DOE on fuel supply affecting key government agencies under their authority; and coordinate with concerned agencies on the exemption of fuel trucks from the truck ban in Metro Manila and in the location of fuel sources to facilitate swift delivery.
The PIP member companies include Chevron Philippines, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, Petron Corporation, PTT Philippines Corporation, Total (Philippines) Corporation, and Isla Gas Corporation.
The PIP will provide the DOE, MMDRRMC and NDRRMC with a list of gas stations where government vehicles load up fuel during disasters. These stations should be located near the Incident Command Posts (ICPs).
The DILG and its attached agencies, the AFP, DPWH, and DOTC are also part of the agreement. Their responsibilities include providing status reports on the affected localities and their fuel requirements for clearing operations in affected roads and bridges; including the safety and security of fuel tankers, marine vessels, fuel depots, and stations, among others.(PNA)