By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance establishing a centralized emergency communication framework aimed at improving the delivery of verified public warnings and strengthening the city’s response against misinformation during disasters and other emergencies.
The measure seeks to institutionalize the Bacolod Emergency Communication System (BECS), which will serve as the official communication backbone of the city government during crises.
Under the proposed ordinance, the BECS will be created under the supervision of the city mayor through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in coordination with the City Information Office and other relevant agencies.
The system is designed to ensure that all emergency-related information — such as disaster alerts, public safety advisories, health emergencies, and incident updates — is verified and released through official channels before reaching the public.
It will also establish unified communication protocols among barangays, schools, hospitals, law enforcement units, media organizations, and other stakeholders.
Councilor Caesar Distrito said the initiative is a response to the increasing spread of false or unverified information during critical situations, which often leads to panic and confusion among residents.
“In times of crisis, timely and accurate information can save lives. This ordinance seeks to ensure that Bacolodnons have access to verified and reliable emergency updates while strengthening the city’s ability to counter false or misleading information that may create fear or public disorder,” Distrito said.
The BECS will utilize multiple communication platforms, including official social media accounts, SMS alerts, hotlines, radio advisories, and other digital systems to ensure wider and faster dissemination of information during emergencies.
A key feature of the proposed system is the establishment of mechanisms to monitor and immediately counter misinformation related to disasters and public safety incidents.
It also includes provisions for public awareness campaigns on disaster preparedness, crisis communication, and responsible digital information sharing.
Councilor Pao Sy emphasized that the ordinance goes beyond infrastructure, underscoring its role in strengthening public trust and community resilience.
“During disasters and emergencies, misinformation can be as dangerous as the crisis itself. Through BECS, we aim to create a coordinated, credible and responsive emergency communication system that protects lives, supports decision-making, and strengthens public confidence in official information,” Sy said.
The ordinance further authorizes the city government to coordinate with telecommunications companies, broadcast media and digital platforms to expand the reach and reliability of emergency advisories, especially during large-scale disasters./CJ, WDJ