(Taguig City) As part of its duty of protecting the consumers, the Department of Energy (DOE) attended the 7th Industry Emergency Response Event (IERO) hosted by the Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP) last October 22, 2014.
Heading the DOE delegation was Undersecretary Zenaida Monsada who also gave the keynote address. She cited the importance of the availability of the oil supply during the restoration and rehabilitation efforts most especially in the critically damaged regions.
“We must understand that fuel is an indispensable factor in relief operations and even in restoration efforts.” said Usec. Monsada.
The 7th IERO tackled the experiences during the Bohol Earthquake and the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas. Both natural disasters happened last year. The event also became an avenue where different stakeholders from the public and private sectors can actively express their concerns and lessons learned from the recent disasters.
The event was capped with the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the DOE, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD)/The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and members of the PIP. The MOA contains the commitments of the entities in ensuring a steady oil supply in the advent of natural disasters. The DOE will continue its role as the focal and point agency in oil supply related matters.