By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance that seeks to institutionalize the city government’s support for barangay ambulance operations to strengthen emergency medical response across the city.
The measure proposes the establishment of the Bacolod Barangay Emergency Ambulance Support Program.
If enacted, the ordinance will provide sustained operational and logistical support for city-owned and city-donated ambulances stationed in barangays, including funding for emergency response personnel, medical equipment, training, maintenance, communication devices, fuel assistance, and other operational needs.
Councilor Cesar Distrito said the proposal addresses the financial burden faced by barangays in maintaining ambulance services despite the city’s investment in acquiring the vehicles.
“Many barangays continue to shoulder the burden of fuel, maintenance, personnel, and operational expenses of these ambulances. This ordinance ensures that the city becomes a true partner in sustaining these lifesaving services,” Distrito said.
The ordinance also aims to formalize Bacolod’s decentralized ambulance clustering system, allowing ambulances assigned to strategic barangays to respond to emergencies in neighboring communities to reduce response time.
Currently, city ambulances are stationed in Barangays Alijis, Banago, Bata, Estefania, Felisa, Granada, Handumanan, Mansilingan, Singcang-Airport, Sum-ag, Taculing, Tangub, Villamonte, and Vista Alegre.
Councilor Pao Sy said strengthening the barangay ambulance system would bring emergency medical services closer to residents.
“The barangay ambulance system will give patients a better chance of survival during critical situations,” she said.
Councilor Israel Salanga said the measure recognizes emergency response as a shared responsibility between the city government and barangays.
“We can ensure that our barangays have the resources necessary to provide reliable ambulance services regardless of their financial capacity,” he said.
Councilor Celia Flor, meanwhile, said the ordinance promotes equitable access to emergency healthcare.
“Access to emergency medical transport should never depend on where a person lives. This ordinance moves us closer to a more responsive and inclusive healthcare system that serves every Bacolodnon,” she said.
Once approved on succeeding readings and enacted, the ordinance will authorize the city government, subject to available funds and existing laws, to provide qualified ambulance personnel, additional stretchers, oxygen supplies, trauma equipment, communication devices, maintenance assistance, continuing training, and other logistical support for barangay ambulance services./CCJ, WDJ