City dads push for standby power supply for essential establishments

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council’s committee on laws, ordinances, and styling has interposed no objection on the proposed ordinance mandating all businesses, providing the basic necessities, operating in the city to equip their establishments and facilities with a standby power supply.

The proposed measure also mandates to maintain at least 50 percent fuel, food, medicine, and cash supply on a weekly basis by requiring a Resiliency and Efficiency Amidst Disaster and Emergency (READE) Compliance Certificate and establishing the READE Awards.

As provided in the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor James Anthony Cuenco, the necessary establishments include fuel stations, drinking water refilling stations, supermarkets and/or groceries, pharmacies, telecommunication towers and installations, and commercial banks operating in the city’s jurisdiction.

The committee, however, recommended the conduct of a public hearing for the measure before being scheduled for second reading.

“The proposed ordinance is a product of experience, albeit a difficult one. Cebu City and the neighboring towns and cities of Cebu suffered the onslaught of Typhoon Odette last December 16, 2021,” read the committee report.

“Inaccessible, lack and absence of basic necessities during a period of social upheaval is a ripe formula for social disturbance and unrest. The recent chaos brought by Typhoon Odette must be addressed now if we want Cebu City to be a more disaster resilient city,” it added.

The committee stated that the proposed ordinance positions Cebu City in a better state of preparedness when disaster will again occur.

The measure hopes to mitigate the economic and social impact brought about by a situation where the basic necessities are scarce at the time when the people need it most.

The committee added that the proposed ordinance better prepares the city in the next calamity.

In line with the Constitutional mandate, the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. Thus, R.A. 10121 or the Philippine Risk Reduction and Management of 2010 was enacted into a law.

Section 2, paragraph I, among others, of the same law, capsulizes the wisdom and intent of the ordinance. It mandates as a state policy to “recognize and strengthen the capacities of LGUs and communities in mitigating and preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the impact of disasters.”

Further, R.A. 7160 or the Local Government Code under the General Welfare clause also directs every local government unit to ensure the health and safety, the maintenance of peace and order, and the preservation of the comfort and convenience of its inhabitants.

“Needless to state, this ordinance which aims for the city’s resiliency and efficiency during a disaster is legally sanctioned by no less than our Constitution and its national laws,” read the committee report.

“The committee therefore sees no legal impediment to the passage of this proposed ordinance as it conforms to the requirements of the law and applicable rules and regulations. Hence, the same may be favorably recommended for its approval,” it further read. — GMR (FREEMAN)