MAYOR Alipio Fernandez Jr. has signed into law the Health and Sanitation Code of Dagupan City enacted on January 29, 2009 by the Sangguniang Panlungsod presided over by Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez.

The code, enacted by the SP on joint motion of Councilors Jesus Canto and Michael Fernandez, will serve as the “bible” on health and sanitation for the city.

The ordinance was the fruit of the first deliberate effort by a Dagupan legislature to compile all existing health sanitation laws, regulations, ordinances and updates to make these responsive to present-day challenges, sanitation concerns and needs of the city.

City officials expressed confidence that enforcement of laws on health and sanitation by virtue of Ord. No. 1927-2009, by all concerned and enforcement officers and mandated offices and agencies in the city will be easier.

Section 2 of Chapter 1 of the ordinance specifies that the code shall cover all establishments engaged in trade or business projects and activities.

A unique feature of the ordinance is the provision of the first-ever Sanitation Standard Rating Stickers (SSRS) that are color-coded (red, yellow and green) to be posted on establishments requiring sanitary permit. Establishments given a rating of 50 % and lower rating will be recommended for suspension.

The ordinance sets regulations for sanitary facilities, i.e., hand wash basins, toilet facilities and water supply etc, in commercial establishments, including bus terminals, beauty establishments, bakeries, hotels, boarding or tenement houses, condominiums. Rules have been set for crematorium, and cemeteries as well.

Section 3 of Article L11 (Disposal of Sewage) provides (on licensing) that no entity or establishment intending to operate a business on clearing septic tanks shall be issued a business permit unless the same shall present an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) duly issued by the DENR and show proof that the required area for the disposal and treatment of such wastes, as mandated by the DENR, has been complied with.

The code also requires that all health care facilities have their own wastewater treatment facility.

Further, the city mayor, in addition to his power and authority as provided by the Local Government Code, is now empowered to promulgate rules and regulations for proper implementation and enforcement of the code.

Penalties for violation range from P1, 000 for private individuals, P3, 000 for business establishments to P5,000 for industries. The offender shall be penalized after every inspection until he or she complies with the provision of the code. —LM

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