The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod approved on third and final reading a landmark ordinance requiring the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in key public and private establishments across the city, a measure aimed at significantly improving emergency response to sudden cardiac arrest and increasing survival rates, Councilor Caesar Distrito said on Friday, July 17.
Authored by Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Em Ang and Pao Sy, the Bacolod City Public Access Defibrillation Ordinance of 2026 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.
The ordinance also requires personnel training in Basic Life Support (BLS) and proper AED operation to ensure that trained responders are available even before professional medical teams arrive.
“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.
The ordinance requires covered establishments to install at least one functional AED in a visible and accessible location within twelve months from its effectivity, with larger facilities required to install additional units based on occupancy and size. It also mandates regular maintenance, inspection, and reporting to ensure that the devices remain fully operational.
“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”, Distrito said.
The City Health Office (CHO) will serve as the lead implementing agency, while the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) will assist in responder training, certification, and integration of AED locations into the city’s emergency response and dispatch systems.
“This ordinance brings Bacolod closer to international best practices in public safety. Accessible AEDs, coupled with trained responders, can make the difference between life and death during a cardiac emergency,” Distrito said.
To encourage compliance, the ordinance provides incentives for early adopters, including possible real property tax discounts or business permit fee rebates, subject to existing laws and approvals, as well as the conferment of a “Bacolod Heart-Safe Facility” certification for compliant establishments. It also imposes penalties for non-compliance after the prescribed compliance period, he said.
With the approval of the ordinance and after Mayor Greg Gasataya signs it, Bacolod joins the growing number of local governments adopting public access defibrillation programs as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen emergency medical services and promote a safer, healthier, and more resilient city for residents and visitors, Distrito said.*
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