BACOLOD City – The city government has tightened its crackdown on open burning with the issuance of Memorandum No. 193, which imposes an absolute prohibition on burning garbage, yard waste, and storm debris across all barangays.
Released on November 13, the memorandum from Mayor Greg Gasataya was addressed to all punong barangays, barangay officials, homeowners’ associations, business establishments, and city residents, directing them to strictly comply with national laws that prohibit open burning.
Gasataya emphasized in the issuance that burning household garbage, mixed solid waste, grass, leaves, fallen branches, and other debris is strictly banned, citing the serious threats it poses to public health, air quality, and community safety.
The memorandum reiterates provisions under Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Clean Air Act of 1999, and RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, both of which classify open burning as a prohibited act. Violators may face fines, community service, or imprisonment, with penalties under RA 9003 escalating up to P15,000 or jail time at the court’s discretion for repeat offenses.
Under Memorandum No. 193, all barangays are ordered to monitor their areas for any incident of open burning, immediately stop such activities when seen, and document each case—including the date, time, location, and persons involved. Barangays must coordinate with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) for proper extinguishment and disposal.
Weekly reports detailing incidents, warnings issued, and enforcement actions must be submitted to BENRO and the City Legal Office (CLO) as part of the strengthened enforcement measures.
The memorandum also directs barangays to intensify information dissemination through bulletin boards, social media, and community briefings during cleanup drives to ensure citywide compliance.
Residents may report incidents of open burning to the BENRO hotlines at 0962-931-0125 and 0962-931-0563. Ongoing burning or fire emergencies should be reported to BFP Bacolod at 434-5022, while the CLO may be reached at 708-8208. Informants are encouraged to provide exact locations, time, and photo or video documentation when possible.
The advisory takes effect immediately, with non-compliance subject to penalties under RA 9003, RA 8749, and applicable city ordinances, “without prejudice to other civil or criminal liabilities,” the memorandum stated./PN
