Sanggunian Greenlights Bantay Sunog Ordinance
The Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously approved Ordinance No. 14 or the Barangay Firebreak Protection Initiative (Bantay Sunog) Ordinance of Olongapo City during the 21st Regular Session on May 25, 2026.
With an objective to reinforce community-based fire preparedness, prevention, and emergency response particularly in mountainous and upland areas in the city, the ordinance institutionalizes fire prevention mechanisms “to prevent the occurrence and spread of grass fires and to safeguard lives, properties, and the environment.”
After a series of consultations and public hearings in concerned barangays including Barretto, Kalaklan, Mabayuan, Gordon Heights, Sta. Rita, East Bajac-Bajac, Old Cabalan and New Cabalan, the measure was unanimously approved, with recommended revisions, under the Second Reading during the 20th Regular Session on May 18.
The final draft of the ordinance covers establishment of the Barangay Sunog Project, creation of Barangay Bantay Sunog Team and their roles, responsibilities of the barangay, city government, households, and communities, to name a few. Enactment of the ordinance will be in coordination with offices and agencies such as the Bureau of fire Protection, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Planning and Development Office, City Engineering Office, and Environmental Sanitation and Management Office.
The legislative measure is authored and sponsored by Liga ng mga Barangay President Councilor Priscilla B. Ponge, and co-sponsored by Committee Chairperson on Disaster Management and Public Safety Councilor Jamiel Jules K. Escalona.
