SP Oks BECS Ordinance Designed to Strengthen Disaster Response, Combat Misinformation

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has unanimously approved on Third and Final Reading the Bacolod Emergency Communication System (BECS) Ordinance of 2026 designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, public safety, and crisis communication. P

rincipally authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito and co-authored by Councilor Psyche Marie “Pao” Sy, the ordinance institutionalizes a centralized emergency communication system that will serve as Bacolod’s official platform for disseminating verified and timely information during disasters, emergencies, public disturbances, health crises, and other situations affecting public safety.

Under the ordinance, the Bacolod Emergency Communication System (BECS) will operate under the supervision of the City Mayor through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), in coordination with the City Information Office and other concerned agencies.

Recognizing the growing dangers posed by misinformation and fake news during emergencies, the ordinance establishes unified communication protocols and designates official communication channels that city departments and offices must use during crisis situations. It also mandates coordination with barangays, schools, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, telecommunications providers, and media organizations to ensure that only accurate, verified, and timely information reaches the public.

“During emergencies, information can save lives—but misinformation can also cost lives. This ordinance ensures that Bacolod has a single, credible, secure, and coordinated emergency communication system that the public can trust whenever disaster strikes,” Atty. Distrito said.

A key innovation of the ordinance is the integration of cybersecurity measures into the City’s emergency communication framework. The Management Information Technology and Computer Services (MITCS) is tasked to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the system by implementing cybersecurity safeguards, conducting vulnerability assessments, developing incident response plans, and coordinating with national agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) whenever necessary.

The measure likewise promotes responsible information sharing by encouraging the public to rely on verified government sources during emergencies while providing administrative accountability for City Government personnel who knowingly disseminate false, fabricated, misleading, or malicious information that could create panic, disrupt emergency operations, or undermine public trust.

“The public deserves timely, truthful, and verified information, especially during crises. By institutionalizing official communication protocols and strengthening cybersecurity, we are building greater trust between the City Government and our constituents while helping prevent panic caused by misinformation,” Sy added.*