Cusi: Gas Station Safety Signs Save Lives

As part of the Department of Energy's E-Safety Mo Campaign, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has underscored strict compliance with the posting of consumer safety and informational signs in gasoline stations stated under the Retail Rules for Liquid Fuels.

“To err on the side of caution is the prudent thing to do, thus the DOE urges full compliance by gasoline stations on the posting of these signs,” Cusi said.

“There’s science behind the informational signs and while there’s debate as to the true causes of such fire incidents in gas stations all over the world, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Cusi added.

The DOE prohibits the conduct of the following acts within the vicinity of gasoline retail outlets:

1. Smoking: The act of smoking, igniting of cigarette lighters/matches and throwing of lighted cigarettes are strictly prohibited in gasoline stations to prevent the start of fire where fuel vapors or fumes are present.

2. Running engine while filling: Vehicle engine should be shut-off during fuel filling to prevent accidental ignition of fuel fumes. This will also prevent vehicles from being accidentally moved or driven off during the refueling process, thus will avoid fuel spill.

3. Using of cellular phones: The use of cellular phones is strictly prohibited to prevent accidental ignition of gas fumes caused by small electric spark in some of the gadget’s parts.

4. Straddling while filling: This is to prevent oil spillage and possible motor start-up causing accidental ignition of gas fumes.

5. Inappropriate containers: Only approved and leak-proof fuel containers that are petroleum-grade and will not react with petroleum products are allowed to be filled-up with fuels.

“These signs must be prominently displayed within the premises of gasoline stations for the awareness and information of the public and station personnel,” Cusi pointed out.

The DOE chief urged the owners/operators of gasoline stations to ensure that these signs are strictly observed by their personnel before fueling vehicles.

Failure to comply with the DOE rules and regulations on safety would subject gasoline stations to appropriate sanctions. Grave offenses may lead to suspension or revocation of their business permit.

“We do not want such unsafe practices and negligence from both the business operators and the consumers to incur loss of lives. Let’s all be safe and take necessary precautionary measures seriously,” Cusi said.

Republic Act No. 8479 or the “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998” requires the DOE to promote fair trade practices in the liquid fuel retailing business, including quality and quantity of petroleum products, and ensuring safety from fire, danger, health and environmental risks, among others.

For other information, queries or concerns, the DOE asked the public to contact the DOE Consumer Welfare Office (Landline - ‎‎429 2900 local 329).

Expand Your Horizons, Pursue Post-Grad Studies in EU

The Goodwill Ambassadors of the European Higher Education Fair 2017 share why Europe is the best place to pursue higher studies

The beauty of mobility, amazing sights, historical places, rich culture and arts, prestigious schools, high quality education, the list on why you should pursue further studies in the European Union goes on.

If you still need further convincing, the goodwill ambassadors for the European Higher Education Fair 2017 have this to say:

Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Author, Journalist and TV Host
Alumni, University of Paris IV-Sorbonne, France; London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
The best thing about studying in the EU is the immediate access you have to travel and culture! As a student you get wonderful discounts for museums, exhibits, trade fares, and travel deals so you can easily explore the rich history and culture the EU has to offer. Your education goes beyond university walls!

Not only did I love the ease and enjoyment of living there, I felt that I was able to get an excellent education for a fraction of the cost. This allowed me to truly enjoy the European lifestyle as well and immerse myself in the culture.

Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, VP for Sales and Business Development at Philux
Alumni, The London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom; Sciences Po, France
I truly enjoyed not only immersing myself in European culture, but also meeting students and professors from all around the world. My university was a dynamic platform for international students to socialize and learn from each other in a fascinating European setting. It was an experience to remember and I am truly grateful for my time there.

Being part Swiss, I wanted to study closer to my European roots as I grew up in Manila. I yearned for an international setting and for a globally regarded program that would help pique and grow my interests.

Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Designer ARANAZ. Co-founder SoFA Design Institute
Alumni, Istituto Marangoni, Italy
I loved being exposed to the European culture! It is so rich and unfamiliar. It is also great that travelling to other European countries is quick and easy.

(I pursued further studies in EU because) I always gravitated towards their rich culture and history. I love the environment, the cities, and the different languages! I chose the EU over the US because I really wanted a new experience.

Eric Manuel, VP & Head of Real Estate at Primiero Partners
Alumni, The London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
To be truly innovative, you need to explore a diverse set of ideas. Studying in LSE allowed me to brainstorm with my brilliant professors and fellow students, on some of the most pressing topics of the day. Additionally, the strong global alumni network of the school I chose, allowed me to have a balanced and global perspective.

The school I chose is one of the foremost social science universities globally. The topic I wanted to explore would require a strong background in economics, development studies, geography, and political science. Additionally, I had access to many influential outside speakers at the school as well as leading academics from all around the world.

Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Owner of Furniture Concept Store Designa Italia
Alumni, Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain
The best thing about studying in the EU is its wide network of countries and the varied cultures, history, and people you have the opportunity to be exposed to, which gives you the chance to truly find yourself.

I chose to pursue further studies in the EU because I wanted to immerse myself in a completely different environment and see how I could further develop myself.

Theresa Leung, Creative Director at Leung de Leon Marketing Services
Alumni, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Education was not only my passport to the future, it was also my passport to explore Europe. Studying in the U.K. was one of the best experiences in my life. It opened my eyes to a lot of new things – I immersed myself in different cultures and I met friends for life. It made me a student of the world and I am better for it.

Sunshine Puey, Chef and Owner of Gourmandise
Alumni, Ecole Ritz Escoffer, France
Deciding to study in Paris was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It was a feast for all the sense and definitely food for my soul.

Loralee Baron-Soong, Co-Founder of School of the Fashion and the Arts (SOFA)
Alumni, Istituto Marangoni, Italy; Central St. Martins, United Kingdom
The best thing about studying in the EU is being able to easily travel from one EU country to another on weekends and breaks, meeting people from all over the world while immersing in diverse European cultures.

It was a privilege to study in two of the world’s best fashion and design capitals: Istituto Marangoni in Milan and Central St. Martins in London where everyone just lived and breathed fashion.

Monica Araneta, LBC Foundation
Alumni, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Studying in Europe was such as amazing experience that I’d do it all over again!

Noelle Hilario, Creative Entrepreneur
Alumni, Art School Metafora, Spain
Studying in Europe placed me outside my comfort zone and expanded my knowledge through exploring a new culture, language, and a new way of living. I learned immensely both in and out of school, which was truly a rewarding experience.

Want to study in EU and earn a post-graduate or doctorate degree? Visit the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) on October 18, 2017 at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong and get to learn more about the opportunities in the region. Don’t miss out the series of lectures and talks about the EU education system and way of life, or talk to EU alumni volunteers present during the event.

The fair is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines together with the EU Member States’ Embassies and Cultural Institutions in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), supported by Shangri-La Plaza, Philstar.com, Business Mirror, Business World, Expat Magazine, and ANC.

Admission to the fair is free, but registration is encouraged. Participants can pre-register online via www.ehef-philippines.com or walk-in during the event day. For more information visit @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Alay Para Atleta Mobile Donation Campaign for Filipino Para Athletes Launched

Following the successful campaign of Philippine para-athletes in the recently concluded 9th ASEAN Para Games in Malaysia in September, the Philippine Paralympic Committee/Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PPC-PHILSPADA) is pushing the envelope further to support local para athletes in upcoming international competitions.

PPC PHILSPADA launched today a mobile donation service called “Alay PARA Atleta”, a simple and easy way for Filipino citizens to participate in the Philippine Paralympic movement using their mobile phones. The group has tied up with Rising Tide Mobile Entertainment Inc., a mobile content and service company, to launch APA on both Globe and Smart so Filipinos everywhere can help enable our para-athletes to move forward. Under the campaign, citizens can donate amounts starting at P10 up to P500 simply by texting the amount to access code 3456 on their cellphones.

According to PPC-PHILSPADA president Michael Barredo, the mobile donation campaign is part of an integrated marketing plan that aims to propagate the national paralympic movement through various events and activities that will increase public awareness and support for our athletes with disability.

On September 1, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) partnered with the PPC-PHILSPADA so UAAP students and schools can join the Paralympic movement and support Philippine para-athletes using the mobile facility, a communication and payment mode that is most appealing to millennials. UAAP students and athletes are looking to volunteer as support staff and crew in the next ASEAN Para Games in 2019 that will be hosted by the Philippines.



The country won a total of 69 medals (20 gold, 20 silver and 29 bronze) in the last Para SEA Games held September 17 to 23 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Formerly ranked 7th in the overall standing, the Philippines moved two notches higher to 5th place in the ASEAN region. PPC PHILSPADA sees this as the perfect jump board for bigger achievements for Filipino para athletes.
The biggest surprise in the recent KL stint were the fresh para athletes who bagged medals in their very first international competition. These rising stars are products of Palarong Pambansa and includes 16-year old Ma. Cielo Honasan who bagged 3 golds in Athletics, Gary Bejino, 21, 1 gold and 3 bronze in swimming and Claire Calizo, 18, a silver and a bronze in swimming.

“Our showing in KL validated our long range plan: to implement a grassroots development program that will help discover new talents and harness our existing ones in order to create a bigger pool of para athletes that will be ready to compete in the next 2018 Indonesia Asian Para Games, the ASEAN Para Games in Manila in 2019, the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and other international para sport competitions,” Barredo said.

“The Alay PARA Atleta Program is our response to the colorful performance of our para athletes in the recent Para Games. Funds raised through this program will help provide our para athletes with equipment and basic needs that will support them in their quest to transcend their personal barriers to achieve excellence and excite the world. Above all, it will inspire them to know that the whole country is behind them in their dream to excel and bring honor to the country,” he continued.

Barredo further emphasized that “whatever resources we are able to generate will help strengthen PPC’s organizational capacity to enable our national sports associations (NSAs) to implement our grassroots development program. This is in alignment with the mandate of our Philippine Sports Commission Chairman, Butch Ramirez.”

Some Filipino para athletes who have consistently brought home honor for the country are powerlifter Adeline Dumapong (Polio Wheelchair), gold medalist in the 2017, 2015, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005 and 2003 ASEAN Para Games and bronze in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics; table tennis ace Josephine Medina (Polio Standing), gold medalist in the ASEAN Para Games 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005 and 2003; swimmer Ernie Gawilan (Congenital Deformity), gold medalist in the 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011 and 2009; track star Jerrold Pete Mangliwan (Polio Wheelchair), gold medalist in the 2015 ASEAN Para games; Joel Balatucan of field athletics (Polio Wheelchair), gold medalist in the 2015, 2013, 2011 and 2009 ASEAN Para Games; and Julius Jun Obrero (Polio Standing), gold medalist and Wheelchair Dance Sport IPC World Champion.