Sponsor/s : Hon. Francisco M. Mendoza & Hon. Gilda Gayle R. Abonal-Gomez
Date Proposed : August 13, 2026
ORDINANCE SUMMARY :
The proposed ordinance localizes the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) review process within Naga City in compliance with Section 33 of Republic Act No. 11223 (Universal Health Care Act) and DOH-DILG Joint Administrative Order No. 2021-0001. It establishes a mandatory requirement for project proponents to secure a Health Impact Clearance Certificate (HICC) or Certificate of Exemption (COE) from the Department of Health (DOH) prior to obtaining various local government permits, clearances, or licenses (such as business and building permits). Furthermore, it sets guidelines for public health mitigation plans, multi-sectoral monitoring, adherence to due process, and penalties for non-compliance.
ORDINANCE HIGHLIGHTS :
- POLICY AND PURPOSE: Mandates the integration of HIA processes into local development planning, project evaluation, and permitting systems to safeguard public health and environment standards from potential adverse development effects.
- PERMITTING PREREQUISITE: Requires applicants for local permits—including business permits, building permits, zoning clearances, environmental compliances, sanitary permits, and licenses to operate—to submit a DOH-issued Health Impact Clearance Certificate (HICC) or Certificate of Exemption (COE) to the City Health Office.
- SCOPE & COVERAGE: Applies to all public and private development projects within Naga City, including industrial, commercial, housing, tourism, and infrastructure undertakings, as well as projects located in health-sensitive areas or classified as Environmentally Critical Projects.
- ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Outlines specific duties for the City-Wide Health Board (providing technical inputs and monitoring compliance with HICC/COE conditions) and the Local Government Unit of Naga (integrating HIA into permitting and coordinating grievance responses)
- MONITORING & COMPLIANCE: Mandates the constitution of a Multi-Sectoral Monitoring Team (MMT) with the Center for Health Development (CHD) and requires project proponents to submit at least biannual periodic compliance reports.
- REVOCATION, PENALTIES, & DUE PROCESS: Enforces penalties for violations—such as failing to secure an HICC/COE or submitting falsified documents—which include immediate suspension or cancellation of local permits, non-issuance of subsequent clearances, potential project closure, and criminal or administrative charges, all strictly governed by due process
- Proposed