Proper zoning
This is the problem or the hazards of living near a large factory. At the time of this writing, two have been confirmed dead while more than 60 had to be taken to various hospitals for treatment when an ammonia tank leaked from a cold storage ice plant owned by the family of the Navotas mayor. The deceased were employees of the said plant. Residents living near the plant had to be evacuated due to the strong odor. The mayor promised that he would ask the family to help everyone affected by the accident.
Proper zoning in Metro Manila is not feasible, which is why we have accidents like this. If only factories could be separated from residential areas but Metro Manila is congested as it is, making proper zoning difficult if not impossible. We do have a few industrial zones but some factories have been in the city long before we were even born, eventually become surrounded by residents.
Toxic gas leaks are very dangerous. The worst accident of this kind was the leakage of methyl isocyanate gas from a pesticide factory in Bhopal, India, in 1984. You can imagine India's population density. The gas is similar to cyanide. The official death toll stands at more than 3,700 people but some say the number is greater, played down by the Indian authorities. More than half a million were affected. Some still feel the effects of the gas. I can just imagine the legal repercussions of the accident.
It would be nice if the proper zoning could be implemented. But all over the metro, you can see the conflict of residents and those wanting to put up structures or businesses such as gas stations or other supposedly hazardous enterprises. Zoning ordinances are cited but seemingly ignored in the end. Factories that specifically use toxic gas should be kept away from the population to avoid serious accidents. One can argue all of these factories are ticking time bombs.
Equipment should also be inspected frequently by both owners and local government units. This is an aspect where I believe many LGUs are weak. Strict inspections must be made before an accident and not after. Factories must always consider the safety of their employees and the community where it is located. The country has such a dismal record when it comes to safety. A quick look at the list of worst accidents will include the Philippines, especially maritime accidents. From the terrible ship fires and collisions to the unacceptable Ozone Disco and Manor Hotel fires. We need to step up safety measures and not keep on making lists of various disasters.