01/09/2026
โฝ ๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐ฎ๐๐ฅ, ๐
๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐, ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐: ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฒ๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ โ Key officials from the Department of Energy โ Visayas Field Office (DOE-VFO) Oil Industry Management Division, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Daanbantayan, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) convened on August 24, 2026, at Daanbantayan, Cebu, for a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to discuss the findings of the DOE-VFO inspection conducted on June 30, 2026, harmonize regulatory concerns between the national government and local authorities, and formulate appropriate measures to ensure the lawful, safe, and efficient operation of Technology Solution Retail Outlets (TSROs) operating in Malapascua Island.
The discussion highlighted the crucial role of TSROs in replacing hazardous informal fuel retailing methods, such as the โbote-boteโ system, while addressing critical non-compliance issues identified under DOE Department Circular No. 2021-11-0011, or the Revised Retail Rules in the Business of Retailing Liquid fuels. Key technical issues presented by the DOE-VFO included two TSROs operating without Certificates of Compliance (COCs), located within the prohibited one-kilometer radius from existing retail outlets, dispensing pumps positioned dangerously close (less than six meters) to roadways, and fuel storage in drums exceeding the permitted 2,000-liter threshold per product. Concurrently, LGU representatives clarified local permitting gaps, noting that affected TSROs lacked essential clearancesโsuch as the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC), Building Permit, and Mayorโs/Business Permit.
To address these operational and safety challenges, consensus was reached on key strategic initiatives and inter-agency interventions. Daanbantayan Municipal Mayor Hon. Atty. Gilbert Arrabis, Jr. directed a joint committee composed of the BFP, Municipal Treasurerโs Office (MTO), Office of the Building Official (OBO), and Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) to convene an immediate dialogue with TSRO owners to guide them toward full compliance with DOE and BFP standards. Furthermore, discussions were initiated regarding a potential temporary LGU-certified waiver of the one-kilometer distance requirement and the designation of a regulated fuel buffer stock area to support the island's energy needs without compromising safety.
Moving forward, the DOE-VFO and LGU Daanbantayan agreed to hold follow-up sessions to finalize a comprehensive regulatory agreement governing fuel distribution in Malapascua. Additionally, to protect consumer interests and enhance local oversight capability, the DOE-VFO committed to conducting a specialized refresher training on liquid fuel dispensing pump calibration for LGU personnel. This initiative ensures that fuel dispensing measurements remain accurate, safe, and aligned with national standards across the municipality.
