The real meaning of safety and security

MANILA, Philippines - Pepe Gutierrez and Renato Villegas have many things in common. Both are 55 years of age and are looking forward to retirement in a few more years. Both are also long-time residents of Pandacan, Manila and work at the nearby oil depot. Mang Pepe and Mang Renato also find themselves living in uncertain times with moves to relocate the Pandacan Terminal — their source of livelihood — gaining ground. They are just two people among thousands whose voices have not yet been heard.  

Controversy surrounding the Pandacan Terminal has once again emerged in recent months. The Supreme Court denied the oil companies’ motion for reconsideration and stated that Ordinance No. 8027, which effectively removes the Pandacan Terminal, should be enforced unless amended or superseded by the Manila City Council. Another ordinance (No. 7177), has been approved by the City Council on third and final reading. The ordinance aims to allow companies already doing business in Manila to continue their operations, subject to strict monitoring and compliance.

As of this writing, Ordinance No. 7177 is yet to be signed by the Mayor of Manila.

Living ‘dangerously’

Much has been said about the dangers of living too close to an oil depot but Mang Renato is not worried. A Pandacan resident since birth, he started working in the oil depot since he was 18 years old and lives in Barangay 833, just a stone’s throw away from the facility. Renato started as a contractor and slowly worked his way up the ranks. Today, he oversees tank truck loading operations essential in ensuring that fuel products are delivered to thousands of customers.

In Filipino, Renato relates that he grew up in Pandacan and this is where he has also raised his children. He feels safe in his environment. “When fire accidents strike in the neighborhood, it is the oil depot that responds to the emergency, even before the firemen come to the rescue.”

He feels safe in his environment that in recent years, he has even expanded his house and added a third floor.

Mang Pepe, brought his wife over from Mindoro in 1987 to live in Pandacan once he became a regular employee. Starting as a warehouse assistant in 1983, he now handles bulk operations receiving fuels from barges and the pipelines.

“In all the years we have lived here, I have not witnessed any major accident in the oil depot and its surrounding areas,” Mang Pepe said.

Mang Pepe, who resides in Barangay 862, proudly says that 4 of his 5 children have been able to finish college and his youngest will soon finish nursing. He also takes pride in his five grandchildren.

The real threat

Mang Pepe and Mang Renato were alarmed when they again heard in the news that Ordinance No. 7177 would not be passed amid strong opposition from certain sectors.

When asked how he felt about this Mang Pepe replied, “The news has saddened us because there are thousands of people working in the oil depot whose lives will be affected by any relocation. This is our only means of livelihood.”

More than four thousand people are employed in the oil depot and tens of thousands more indirectly benefit from its operations. Furthermore, the Pandacan Terminal supplies about 50 percent of the country’s fuel requirements and is critical to many industries such as aviation, transport, manufacturing, agriculture among others. The immediate closure of this strategic facility is expected to cause massive supply shortages.

For his part, Mang Renato stressed that safety is given the utmost importance in the oil depot where he works. He said that there are strict safety and security rules and regulations that have been in place at the facility for many years. 

“If only people could come and see for themselves the facility so that they can be properly informed of the tight safety and security measures being undertaken here at the oil depots.” Mang Renato stressed.

More than the risks cited in the facility, he said, it is the carelessness of other people that may actually cause more danger to the community.

“We are more afraid of accidental fires and street crimes than the so-called risks living within the oil depot vicinity” Mang Renato added.

Wanting to be heard

Mang Pepe and Mang Renato share the same sentiment. Despite the negative perceptions on the oil depot, both are still hopeful that the controversy can be settled minus the politics. They added that it is easy for the detractors of the oil depot to say “go and leave” when they are not the ones who will lose their jobs, their homes and their future.

“We have lived here for 37 years and my family and I continue to have good productive and healthy lives,” Mang Renato said. “I’m proud to boast of perfect attendance at work up until this time.”

Mang Renato added that he inherited his present job from his father (Jacinto Villegas) who also worked in the oil depot for nearly 40 years.

“If the oil depots will be removed, it is a big problem not only for the residents and workers but for the entire nation because transportation, aviation and shipping will be affected. We hope that we will not be asked to leave our home of 40 years,” Mang Pepe added.

In the din of all the controversy, this is a wish that Mang Pepe, Mang Renato and many other voices hope to be heard.