BACOLOD City — Members of the city council here approved on first reading a proposed ordinance seeking to establish a centralized emergency communication system aimed at strengthening the dissemination of verified public warnings and combating misinformation during disasters and emergencies.
Authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito and co-authored by Councilor Pao Sy, the proposed “Bacolod Emergency Communication System (BECS) Ordinance of 2026” seeks to institutionalize a unified emergency information framework that will serve as the city government’s official source of verified advisories and public safety announcements.
The proposed measure comes amid growing concerns over the rapid spread of misinformation and unverified online content during calamities, health emergencies, and public disturbances — situations where inaccurate information can trigger panic, confusion, and disruption.
“In times of crisis, timely and accurate information can save lives,” Distrito said.
“This ordinance seeks to ensure that Bacolodnons have access to verified and reliable emergency updates while strengthening the city’s ability to counter false or misleading information that may create fear or public disorder,” he added.
Under the proposed ordinance, the BECS will operate under the supervision of the City Mayor through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), in coordination with the City Information Office and other concerned agencies.
The system will establish unified communication protocols among barangays, hospitals, schools, law enforcement agencies, media organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure the coordinated release of emergency information and public advisories.
The measure also seeks to maximize multiple communication platforms, including official social media pages, SMS alerts, hotlines, radio advisories, and other digital systems, to ensure broader public reach, particularly during critical situations.
A key provision of the ordinance focuses on monitoring and addressing false or misleading information related to disasters and public safety concerns.
The proposed measure also authorizes the city government to coordinate with telecommunications providers, broadcast media outlets, and digital platforms to improve the efficiency and reach of emergency advisories while promoting responsible information sharing among the public.
Sy said the proposed ordinance is not only about building communication infrastructure but also about strengthening public trust and disaster preparedness.
“During disasters and emergencies, misinformation can be as dangerous as the crisis itself,” Sy said.
“Through BECS, we aim to create a coordinated, credible, and responsive emergency communication system that protects lives, supports decision-making, and strengthens public confidence in official information,” Distrito added.
The ordinance also includes provisions for public awareness campaigns on emergency preparedness, crisis communication, and digital responsibility as part of the city’s broader disaster resilience efforts./PN
