Baguio City targets full sanitation compliance by March 2026

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered all business establishments here to achieve full compliance with sanitation laws — particularly on maintaining clean, fully equipped restrooms and handwashing facilities — by the first quarter of 2026.

Magalong said the initiative aims to boost public health protection and ensure a cleaner environment for residents and tourists.

“It is about time that we take this matter seriously… Our target is 100 percent compliance by March 2026,” he stressed during the Management Committee meeting on October 21.

City officials will soon meet with establishment owners to push the directive and outline compliance expectations.

The intensified inspection campaign — jointly led by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division (EHSD) of the City Health Services Office and the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) — has been underway since October 1.

As of October 20, the sanitation division reported inspecting 637 establishments, with 539 found compliant.

The remaining 98 were cited for violations and issued sanitary orders for immediate corrective action, according to Sanitation Division Chief Engr. Albert Pay-an.

Common violations include unsanitary or poorly maintained toilets, lack of proper handwashing facilities, non-functional fixtures, and absence of liquid soap or hand-drying options.

Other deficiencies noted were unclean food preparation areas, lack of grease traps, improper waste disposal, absence of PPE among food handlers, failed water tests, pest presence, and lack of valid health certificates.

The POSD also inspected 324 establishments across 51 barangays, assessing cleanliness, odor control, restroom enclosure, running water availability, hygiene supplies, and lighting.

Of those checked, 42 failed the cleanliness criteria and 40 failed the odor test, POSD Head Daryll Longid reported.

Authorities reminded businesses to comply with the Sanitation Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree 856), covering food safety, clean water access, hygiene facilities, and regular upkeep.

The city government said inspections will continue until full compliance is achieved by March 2026.