TUCP backs phaseout of old LPG tanks

MANILA, Philippines -  To promote local employment, the country’s largest labor group pushed for the passage of a measure eliminating old liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in the country.

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said replacing an estimated six million LPG cylinders circulating in the market with new ones could energize industries and create more jobs.

TUCP secretary general and former senator Ernesto Herrera said the country used to have six firms employing thousands of workers engaged in the manufacture of LPG cylinders, but the fabricators have since dwindled to just two.

“Once the bill becomes law, the Department of Energy should consider recommending to the Board of Investments that all new LPG cylinder manufacturing activities be initially granted financial incentives, hopefully to further stimulate jobs creation,” he said.

Herrera said extra jobs would also be generated as a result of the mandatory rehabilitation of old LPG cylinders deemed still serviceable, and re-qualified under the program.

Aside from protecting consumers from the hazards posed by substandard and potentially harmful cylinders, Herrera said the program would promote the safety of the increasing number of laborers in LPG refilling stations across the country.

The House of Representatives earlier passed on second reading the proposed Act Establishing the Regulatory Framework for the Safe Operations of the LPG Industry.

House Bill 5052 includes a one-time LPG cylinder exchange, swapping and rehabilitation program to advance the safe consumption of the cooking fuel by households and commercial establishments.

Once enacted, Herrera said the new law would drive independent LPG refillers to produce their own cylinders, develop their brands, and to eventually expand their business and employment activities.