Proposed ‘Brgy. Emergency Ambulance Support Program’ Ordinance Pushed

A landmark measure seeking to strengthen Bacolod City’s emergency medical response system by institutionalizing government support for barangay ambulances has successfully passed First Reading before the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Pao Sy, Israel Salanga, and Celia Flor, the proposed ordinance seeks to establish the Bacolod Barangay Emergency Ambulance Support Program (BBEASP), a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance the City’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) through sustained operational and logistical support for city-owned and city-donated ambulances stationed in the barangays.

Under the proposed ordinance, the City Government will institutionalize the provision of city-funded emergency response personnel, emergency medical equipment, training, maintenance assistance, communication equipment, fuel assistance, and other logistical support to ensure that barangay ambulances remain operational and capable of providing twenty-four-hour emergency medical transport services.

“Our barangay ambulances save lives every single day. While the City has invested in purchasing and distributing these ambulances, many barangays continue to shoulder the burden of fuel, maintenance, personnel, and operational expenses. This ordinance ensures that the City becomes a true partner in sustaining these lifesaving services,” Atty. Distrito said.

The proposed ordinance also seeks to institutionalize Bacolod’s decentralized ambulance clustering system, allowing strategically located ambulances to respond not only within their own barangays but also to neighboring communities, significantly reducing emergency response time across the city.

Currently, city ambulances are stationed in Barangays Alijis, Banago, Bata, Estefania, Felisa, Granada, Handumanan, Mansilingan, Singcang-Airport, Sum-ag, Taculing, Tangub, Villamonte, and Vista Alegre, forming the backbone of the City’s expanding emergency response network.

“Every minute matters during an emergency. By strengthening our barangay ambulance system, we are bringing emergency medical assistance closer to our people and giving patients a better chance of survival during critical situations,” Councilor Sy said.

“This measure recognizes that emergency response is a shared responsibility. Through sustained City support, we can ensure that our barangays have the resources necessary to provide reliable ambulance services regardless of their financial capacity,” Councilor Salanga added. Meanwhile, Councilor Celia Flor underscored the ordinance’s importance in promoting equitable access to emergency healthcare.

Once enacted, the ordinance will authorize the City Government, subject to the availability of funds and applicable laws, to provide qualified ambulance personnel, additional stretchers, oxygen supply, trauma equipment, communication devices, maintenance assistance, continuing training, and other operational support for barangay ambulance operations.

“Access to emergency medical transport should never depend on where a person lives. This ordinance moves us closer to a more responsive and inclusive healthcare system that serves every Bacolodnon,” Councilor Flor said.*