BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City Government has issued a notice of violation against a private educational institution for allegedly operating without a valid business permit for 2026, Mayor Greg Gasataya said.
In a media interview at his office on June 25, Gasataya said the school had applied for the renewal of its business permit, but the application remains pending due to incomplete documentary requirements from the City Health Office (CHO) and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO).
The mayor said the institution has yet to submit the required health cards from the CHO and has not secured compliance with BENRO’s wastewater discharge permit requirement.
Records from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) showed that the school allegedly operated without a business permit in 2021 and 2022. It renewed its permits in 2023, 2024, and 2025, but its application for 2026 remains unapproved pending compliance with the required documents.
Gasataya said the notice of violation was served on June 25 by BPLO personnel, accompanied by representatives from the City Legal Office (CLO).
According to the notice, an inspection conducted by the BPLO Permits Enforcement Team found that the institution was operating without a valid Business/Mayor’s Permit for 2026.
The school was directed to appear before the BPLO at the Bacolod City Government Center within three days from receipt of the notice to explain the alleged violation. Failure to do so may prompt the BPLO to elevate the matter to the City Legal Office for appropriate action.
The notice was signed by BPLO Head Stela Rose Rayos under the authority of the mayor.
Meanwhile, Gasataya disclosed that the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Bacolod City also intends to issue a separate notice of violation against the same school for alleged violations of DepEd policies.
The mayor said the planned action stemmed from the division’s investigation into complaints that around 100 senior high school students were allegedly barred from participating in their graduation ceremony on June 24 due to unpaid school obligations and other circumstances that have yet to be fully clarified.
“Whether the issue is payment or non-payment, that should not be a reason to prevent students from participating in their graduation rites,” Gasataya said.
He emphasized that issues concerning students’ participation in graduation ceremonies fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education.
As of press time, the school had not issued an official statement on the allegations.
Panay News remains open to publishing the institution’s side once it becomes available./PN
