by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (4 October) -- The city government of Roxas will inspect the various billboards put up around the city to ensure the highest standard of safety for residents especially during typhoons to maintain an injury and damage-free environment for the public.

“We will inspect the billboard’s foundation and structure to prevent any damage to life or property,” said City Engineer Danilo Tumlos about the upcoming billboard assessment.

He added that billboard owners will be convened to apprise them about their responsibilities and obligations to their respective outdoor advertising signs.

The preemptive response of the city government from any “billboard harm” is in view of the damages brought about by giant billboards in Metro Manila during typhoon “Milenyo” last week.

In Malacañang, the government is determined to remove billboards that pose clear hazards to life and property despite appeals and objections from billboard owners and advertisers.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said billboard owners and advertisers should have a sense of responsibility and ensure the structures are safe.

"This problem demands a sense of responsibility among billboard owners and advertisers for mapping out safety measures to protect the public; and the government will ensure these will be complied with," Bunye said in a statement.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to dismantle hazardous billboards.

She has also instructed the agency and the National Disaster Coordinating Council to coordinate with local government units in identifying safe places for setting up billboards.