The city government of Baguio is intensifying its enforcement of sanitation and environmental health standards as it begins implementing the newly approved Baguio City Sanitation and Environmental Health Code.

The ordinance, which was approved by the city council on Oct. 27, aims to ensure cleaner business operations, stricter waste management, and stronger environmental protection measures across the city.

Council information officer Jordan Habbiling said the measure, officially known as Ordinance 86-2025, provides a comprehensive framework for protecting public health through enhanced hygiene practices and sanitation systems.

“It is designed to strengthen public protection and environmental cleanliness through stricter regulation, permitting, and monitoring of establishments and activities,” he said.

The move comes after the city experienced an acute gastroenteritis outbreak between December 2023 and January 2024, which affected both residents and visitors.

The incident prompted city officials to modernize outdated sanitation regulations and address emerging health and environmental concerns.

Complementing the new code, the city government rolled out “Oplan KASILYAS” (Kalinisan at Sanitation Inspection sa Lahat ng Yunit at Serbisyo) on Oct. 1, 2025.

The program, spearheaded by the City Health Services Office (CHSO) and the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), involves regular inspections of restrooms, handwashing facilities, and overall cleanliness in establishments.

Within its first month, 179 businesses were cited for violations such as lack of employee health certificates, poor kitchen sanitation, and absence of proper protective equipment.

The CHSO hoped to achieve 100 percent compliance by March 2026.

The ordinance requires strict observance of food safety, waste segregation, water testing, and disease prevention measures. It also lays out comprehensive guidelines for managing sewage, drainage, and healthcare waste.

Additional provisions regulate animal control, nuisance trades, and burial practices. It prohibits establishments from engaging in operations that emit foul odors or contribute to pollution, and it enforces humane standards for animal-related businesses and cemetery management.

While the implementing rules and regulations are still being finalized, city officials said the code’s enforcement will continue under existing sanitation and environmental programs already in place. (PNA)