BACOLOD City – The city government here is considering requiring the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places after the City Council approved on first reading the proposed measure known as the “Bacolod City Public Access Defibrillation Ordinance of 2025.”
The proposed ordinance also mandates staff training in malls, schools, barangay halls, and other public areas to ensure proper use of the devices during emergencies.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, the measure aims to strengthen emergency response and save lives from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), one of the leading causes of death in the city.
Under the ordinance, AEDs must be installed in high-traffic establishments such as malls, supermarkets, schools with 500 or more students, barangay halls, government offices, and other venues identified by the City Health Office (CHO) and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Designated staff are required to undergo basic life support (BLS) and AED training, with certifications renewed every two years, Distrito said.
AEDs in government facilities will be funded by the city, while private establishments will bear the cost themselves.
To encourage compliance, early adopters may receive tax incentives or permit rebates, and compliant facilities will be recognized as “Bacolod Heart-Safe.” Non-compliance, meanwhile, may result in fines, suspension of permits, or closure.
“This ordinance is about saving lives and strengthening our city’s emergency response. Every second matters in cardiac arrest, and with AEDs in place, Bacolod will be better prepared to respond quickly and effectively,” the councilor added./PN
