The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance aimed at strengthening the city’s climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and emergency response systems amid increasing climate-related threats.
The proposed measure, authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito and co-authored by Councilor Pao Sy, is entitled the “Bacolod Climate Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Ordinance of 2026”.
It seeks to institutionalize mandatory climate adaptation budgeting, localized flood early-warning systems, heat index emergency protocols, and regular evacuation readiness audits across the city, a press release from Distrito said Wednesday, May 27.
Distrito said the ordinance is intended to provide a proactive and science-based approach to protecting Bacolodnons from the growing risks posed by flooding, extreme heat, severe weather disturbances, and other climate-related emergencies.
“Climate change is no longer a distant concern. We are already experiencing its effects through stronger flooding, dangerous heat conditions, and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. This proposed ordinance ensures that Bacolod becomes more prepared, responsive, and resilient,” Distrito said.
Sy emphasized the importance of strengthening community-level preparedness and coordination in addressing climate-related emergencies.
“Preparedness and resilience begin at the community level. Through this ordinance, we are ensuring that every barangay and every family in Bacolod is better equipped to respond to climate-related risks and disasters,” Sy said.
Under the proposed ordinance, all concerned city departments will be required to integrate climate adaptation and disaster resilience measures into their annual plans and budget proposals.
The measure likewise mandates the establishment of localized flood monitoring and warning systems in flood-prone barangays through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
To address extreme heat conditions, the ordinance also directs the formulation of heat index emergency protocols, including class suspension advisories, hydration stations, and public health advisories during periods of dangerous heat levels.
In addition, annual evacuation readiness audits will be conducted to assess the adequacy of evacuation facilities, sanitation, accessibility, emergency power supply, and emergency response capability.
Distrito said that disaster preparedness must go beyond emergency response and should include long-term resilience planning at the local level.
“This ordinance is about protecting lives, safeguarding communities, and ensuring that our local government is prepared before disasters happen, not only after,” he added.*
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