Councilors want events identified in move to require disaster plan

CEBU, Philippines - The City Council has deferred the approval of a proposed ordinance requiring event organizers to submit an emergency and disaster plan for events held here that is expected to be attended by at least 100 people.

This after the author, Councilor David Tumulak, failed to identify the events properly with other councilors contending that a wedding or a birthday celebration may be attended by more than 100 people but are not, by nature, risky.

Tumulak explained that the proposal seeks to regulate events that may have the potential to endanger public safety and welfare.

City Councilor Eugenio Gabuya said it might be better to qualify the events covered by the proposal as those public events that require a mayor’s permit. City Councilor Leah Japson agrees, saying it would be difficult to monitor private events.

Tumulak’s proposed measure, “The Emergency and Disaster Plan Requirement Ordinance” seeks to maintain the welfare of the constituents and guests in case of any calamity, whether natural or man-made, that may happen during the conduct of the event.

“As the premier city of the south, it is expected that Cebu City will be the host to many events both local and international,” Tumulak’s proposal reads.

He cited the 140 cases during the Sinulog Grand Parade, which involved, among others, people suffering from hyperventilation.

He also said big events like the Sinulog, which draws in a mammoth crowd, would also have the potential of bringing “lawless elements to perpetrate their evil intentions.”

Tumulak, chairperson of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said the event organizers must also hold responsibility over those who attend their events.  (FREEMAN)