The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of the City of San Fernando announced it will revise a proposed ordinance that aims to regulate feeding programs and other charitable activities in the city. The measure, authored and sponsored by Councilor Noel Tulabut, seeks to institutionalize guidelines for feeding programs, medical missions, and dental missions.
Public Hearing Held
On Tuesday, April 21, 2025, the SP conducted a public hearing to present the initial draft of the ordinance and gather feedback from various stakeholders. Representatives from civic organizations, the business sector, and residents attended the hearing.
Concerns Raised
Businessman Rene Romero of the Pampanga Business Circle and Lawyer Paul Yusi of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. raised several issues. They expressed concerns that additional requirements might discourage donors and that monetary penalties could be counterproductive.
Other groups supported the ordinance, citing the safeguards it would provide to communities in case of unforeseen incidents during charity activities.
Next Steps
Councilor Tulabut said the concerns and recommendations will be incorporated into the final draft. “Finally, we can create the final draft of the ordinance indicating all the suggestions and opinions of the stakeholders. We will study it carefully and furnish them with a copy to refine the ordinance,” he said in Filipino.
The ordinance aims to standardize policies for charity activities to ensure uniform compliance with guidelines. Tulabut also stated he is open to repealing the ordinance if it proves disadvantageous. “If we see that it is not helpful and is an obstruction, I myself will move for its repeal. But for now, let us give it a chance,” he added.
