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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Baguio now requires pest control measures for business permits

Baguio now requires pest control measures for business permits

Published May 27, 2026 04:42 pm
BAGUIO CITY – The City Health Services Office (CHSO) here will require establishments to implement pest control measures as a condition for obtaining or renewing business permits.
Engr. Albert Pay-an, head of the CHSO Environmental Health and Sanitation Division (EHSD), said in an interview on Wednesday that the program is mandated under the Sanitation Code of the Philippines but was not actively enforced for many years.
The move aims to end years of lax enforcement that allowed many businesses to get automatic approval despite lacking proper pest management systems.
"In the past, the city and concerned offices were not strict in implementing the regulations, resulting in many establishments such as groceries, hotels, and other businesses automatically receiving approval of their business permit despite lacking proper pest management systems," Pay-an said in an interview.
Under the law, establishments must maintain a vermin abatement program that outlines the frequency of pest control activities, the chemicals used, and the qualifications of pest control operators.
Businesses are also required to have contracts with legitimate pest control applicators licensed by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority under the Department of Agriculture.
Pay-an said the CHSO has started an information campaign to strengthen the implementation of the Integrated Pest Management Program. Training will be conducted for licensed applicators to ensure the safe and effective use of chemicals, as even sanitation inspectors have not been trained on pest control.
The CHSO has also conducted orientations primarily for market stakeholders, where rodent infestation has become a common sight. The city government has previously held "rat-catching challenges" at the city market to reduce rodents.
Pay-an noted that many businesses still rely on do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control methods, which are not allowed under existing regulations due to the technical expertise and licensing required in handling pesticides.
The second batch of orientation sessions focused on grocery owners, while future schedules will include food establishments and hotels.

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