BACOLOD City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here has approved on third and final reading a proposed ordinance institutionalizing climate resilience and emergency preparedness measures to strengthen the city’s response to climate-related hazards.
The proposed Bacolod Climate Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Ordinance of 2026, authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito and co-authored by Councilor Psyche Marie Sy, seeks to protect residents from risks associated with flooding, extreme heat and severe weather disturbances.
Distrito said the measure aims to minimize loss of life and property through proactive, science-based and community-centered policies on disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation and emergency response.
Under the proposed ordinance, all city government departments and offices must integrate appropriate climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures into their annual plans and budget proposals.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will be tasked with establishing localized flood early-warning systems in flood-prone barangays.
The City Health Office (CHO), meanwhile, will formulate heat-index emergency protocols, including advisories on class suspensions, the establishment of hydration stations and timely public health warnings during periods of extreme heat.
The measure also requires annual evacuation-readiness audits to assess evacuation facilities based on sanitation, emergency power supply, accessibility, safety and other essential standards.
The CDRRMO will lead the implementation of the ordinance in coordination with the City Engineer’s Office, CHO, Department of Social Services and Development, barangays, and other concerned stakeholders.
Sy said the measure represents a long-term commitment to strengthening Bacolod’s capacity to anticipate, withstand and recover from the growing effects of climate change.
The approval on final reading marks the completion of the SP’s legislative action on the proposed ordinance, subject to the remaining requirements before it takes effect./PN
