Bacolod SP Approves Rules on Poultry Dressing and Processing on First Reading

Authored by Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr., the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed on first reading, last September 3, 2025, an ordinance establishing strict guidelines to regulate poultry dressing plants and processing farms within the jurisdiction of Bacolod City, citing urgent concerns over public health, sanitation, and environmental protection.

This Ordinance is to be co-authored by Councilor Homer Bais and Councilor Caesar Distrito.

The original title of this proposed ordinance was “Intensifying regulatory compliance and penalty system for unregistered and non-compliant poultry farms in Bacolod City, establishing designated zones, and prescribing guidelines for sanitation, environmental safety, and community protection.”

After deliberations on the floor, said title was amended to, “An ordinance establishing guidelines for poultry dressing and processing plants in Bacolod City, in accordance with City, National, and Environmental Regulations, providing penalties for non-Compliance, and for other purposes.”

This signifies the intention that dressing and processing of poultry animals may now be allowed outside of the AVM Bernardo Slaughterhouse in Handumanan but strictly regulated by said proposed ordinance.

This Gamboa-authored proposed guidelines ordinance strictly prohibits poultry operations without registration, improper poultry waste disposal mechanisms that will contaminate water bodies through its emission, use of antibiotics and growth enhancers banned by the FDA and farms operating within one kilometre of schools, hospitals, or residential areas.

Said guidelines ordinance sets escalating penalties ranging from P20,000 up to P100,000 fines, including mandatory clean-up orders, relocation, permanent closure and legal action.

Gamboa added that this guidelines ordinance was crafted in response to complaints over foul odor, environmental pollution, zoonotic diseases, and poor food handling practices which likewise violate the standards and rules on animal handling, waste disposal and food safety set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On the part of the City Government of Bacolod, it must identify, monitor, and regulate all poultry farms operating within the territorial jurisdiction of Bacolod City and enforce strict environmental, health, and sanitation protocols to protect residents from foul odor, environmental pollution, zoonotic diseases, and poor food handling practices.

Aside from the mandatory permits and documents, the City Government of Bacolod must address zoning issues by designating Poultry Operating Zones to be implemented by the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), in coordination with Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) and the Office of the City Veterinarian – poultry farms currently located outside these areas will be required to relocate within 12 months.

The City Health Office (CHO), BENRO, and CPDO, on the other hand, shall conduct quarterly inspections of all poultry farms; non-compliant facilities shall be issued Notices of Violation and given 15 days to comply.

The City Information Office and Barangay Councils shall conduct a 60-day information campaign for full implementation and awareness – existing poultry farm operators shall be given a one-time grace period of 6 months to comply.

Gamboa explained that this guideline proposed ordinance seeks to strike a balance between supporting Bacolod’s poultry industry and safeguarding public health, stressing, that while poultry farming remains a vital livelihood, it must be conducted in compliance with environmental and sanitation standards.* (WJG)