THE 18th Davao City Council approved on Tuesday, February 12, an ordinance requiring all establishments in the city to have a public address system to announce emergency safety tips.

Davao City Councilor Maria Belen Acosta, committee on peace and public safety chairperson, said the ordinance aims to ensure public safety by raising awareness on disaster prevention protocols.

“All establishments covered under this ordinance shall announce in an audible and persuasive manner, through public address systems, speakers, or the audio-visual means, the emergency and safety protocol of the establishment,” Acosta said while reading the provisions of the ordinance.

It will cover all establishments with a total floor area of at least 2,790 square meters which are assembly establishments, educational institutions, medical establishments and commercial establishments.

During the regular session, Acosta then explained that the floor area was advised by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Those who will not comply with the ordinance will be penalized a fine of P3,000 for first offense, P5,000 for second offense and/ or imprisonment of three months at the discretion of the court, and a fine of P5,000 and/ or imprisonment of six months at the discretion of the court and revocation of business permit.

According to the committee report, the item was a response to the letter of Public Safety and Security Command Center operations and coordination officer Angel Sumagaysay requesting a public address system to announce emergency safety tips.

“(It) will serve as a safety measure to guide the public regarding what to do in case of emergencies and calamities,” the committee report stated.

It added that the audio recording will be played at least once in the morning, in the afternoon and at least three times in the evening.