BACOLOD City – Bacolod City is poised to become one of the country’s heart-safe cities after the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved on third and final reading an ordinance requiring the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in major public and private establishments.
The Bacolod City Public Access Defibrillation Ordinance of 2026 aims to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by ensuring that life-saving AEDs and trained responders are readily available in places where people gather.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Em Ang and Psyche Marie Sy, the ordinance mandates the installation of AEDs in shopping malls, schools, colleges and universities, hotels, resorts, barangay halls, government offices, transport terminals, sports complexes, convention centers, and other designated public places.
“In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, every minute matters. This ordinance is about giving every Bacolodnon a fighting chance to survive by making life-saving equipment accessible where people gather and by ensuring that trained responders are ready to act immediately,” Distrito said.
In addition to installing the devices, the ordinance requires covered establishments to train designated personnel in Basic Life Support (BLS) and proper AED operation to ensure immediate emergency assistance before medical responders arrive.
Establishments covered by the ordinance will have 12 months from its effectivity to install at least one functional AED in a visible and accessible location. Larger facilities will be required to install additional units depending on their size and occupancy.
The measure also mandates regular inspection, maintenance, and reporting to ensure that the devices remain fully operational.
Under the ordinance, the City Health Office (CHO) will serve as the lead implementing agency, while the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will oversee responder training, certification, and the integration of AED locations into the city’s emergency response and dispatch system.
Distrito said the ordinance aligns Bacolod with internationally recognized public safety standards and strengthens the city’s emergency medical response capabilities.
“Preparedness saves lives. By investing in prevention and emergency readiness today, we are protecting families and strengthening the resilience of our communities for years to come,” he said.
To encourage compliance, establishments that install AEDs ahead of schedule may qualify for incentives, including possible real property tax discounts or business permit fee rebates, subject to existing laws and city approvals. Compliant establishments may also receive a “Bacolod Heart-Safe Facility” certification.
The ordinance likewise imposes penalties on establishments that fail to comply after the prescribed implementation period.
The measure now awaits the signature of Mayor Greg Gasataya. Once signed, Bacolod will join a growing number of local government units implementing public access defibrillation programs to strengthen emergency medical services and improve public safety for residents and visitors./PN
