Coop to LGUs: Enforce ordinance vs. butane

CEBU, Philippines — A Cebu-based cooperative has appealed to local government units (LGU) in Cebu to strictly implement its ordinance on the prohibition of manufacture and distribution of LPG-refilled butane canisters.

Eduardo Antiligando, chief operating officer of the Philippine Ecogas Producers Cooperative, said that LPG-refilled butane canisters are illegal but the public patronized this due to its affordability without regard to safety.

"These butane canisters gi-refill og LPG which is illegal kay ang kaning butane canisters is good for one use only. Pero daghang mga illegal refilling plants nga gi-reuse ni nila og mao na hinoon ang maka-cause sa sunog," said Antiligando in a press conference.

Antiligando said that LGUs are unaware that there is this product, the refillable welded stainless mini cylinder, which is really intended for liquefied petroleum gas or LPG and there were instances these were apprehended despite being legal and has complied with standards for safety.

"Our product is different because we have passed the standard set by the Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry and other concerned government agencies," said Virgil Catajoy Jr., PEPC operations and logistics head.

The PEPC planned to go nationwide with an aim to provide better, affordable and safe alternative LPG-filled mini cylinders for cooking and heating purposes to the masses.

To date, PEPC, the first in the country to provide a much safer cylinders, produces about 600,000 pieces per month in Cebu and in Dumaguete alone.

"There is really a demand for mini cylinders filled with LPG because it is cheap and safe. We hope that LGUs will really help us disseminate this information to their constituents nga we have a safe alternative," said Fe Potestas, one of PEPC's board of directors.

The Talisay City government, for its part, will call for a public forum on butane use on Wednesday.

Talisay Mayor Gerard Anthony "Samsam" Gullas said that there have been fire incidents in the city because of butane canisters filled with LPG.

"We’ve had incidents of fire because of it. But I’ve given instructions to the BFP and PNP to coordinate and find all illegal butane business in the city," Gullas added.

DOE-Visayas Head Jose Rey Maleza said that he had a recent meeting with Mandaue City Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, PNP and BFP officials on the plan to strengthen and amend the City Ordinance against the illegal refilling of LPG in tin canisters or unprescribed containers. (FREEMAN)