Public Announcement system to be implemented

The City Council passed on third and final reading the ordinance mandating a public safety and security announcement system in establishments in Davao City that shall be announced at least three times throughout the operational hours.

The committee on public safety and security, under Councilor Maria Belen Acosta passed the ordinance during Tuesday’s regular session that shall cover all establishments with a total floor area of the building of at least 2,790 sqm.

This includes assembly establishments such as cinemas, conference rooms, places of worships, passenger stations and terminals of airs among others; educational institutions such as schools, daycare facilities, libraries, and others; medical establishments like hospitals, laboratories, clinics, birth centers; and commercial establishments like malls, supermarkets, department stores, shopping centers and others.

Acosta said that among the purposes of the said ordinance is to heighten the awareness of locals and tourists particularly those who are not much familiar with the emergency areas of the establishment they are in.

“This public announcement system is not new. This has been done in other places outside of Davao city,” Acosta explained. “Its purpose is to have an announcement of security protocols in case of emergencies, disasters, and others during big events in the city, especially those in the enclosed areas.”

Acosta also stated that they already consulted security forces and establishment operators for the coordination of the security announcement system.

“We will give information on the basic protocols but it will not hinder them to announce their own security protocol because each establishment may have its own security design and protocol, emergency exits, and others,” said Acosta.

Acosta added that she is positive that with the increase of awareness of the public, lesser damages, injuries, and casualties is seen.

“It will heighten awareness. Once you are inside a mall and you hear the public announcement system, you will be directed where to go. During emergencies, it is inevitable to panic. But if this announcement system is aired on a regular basis, citizens will be able to comprehend the security protocol subconsciously,” Acosta said.

Owner of establishments which do not comply with the ordinance shall be fined P3,000 for first offense, P5,000 or imprisonment of three months at the discretion of the court, and P5,000 or imprisonment of six months at the discretion of the court and revocation of business permit. (Julianne A. Suarez)