Baguio City Intensifies Sanitation Enforcement as Senate Proposes Pay Hike for Inspectors
The city government of Baguio is actively enforcing sanitation codes across establishments in its central business district, including the bustling city market, to safeguard public health. This local initiative coincides with a significant national legislative effort aimed at bolstering the workforce responsible for such vital inspections.
Senate Bill Aims to Professionalize and Compensate Sanitation Inspectors
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has introduced Senate Bill No. 1725, a comprehensive measure designed to elevate the status and welfare of sanitation inspectors throughout the Philippines. Filed recently, the bill seeks to modify salary grade schedules, enhance benefits, and implement stronger protections for the safety and welfare of these essential public health workers.
Lacson emphasized that the legislation aims to professionalize sanitation inspection services by mandating registration and accreditation. "This bill aims to professionalize the health and sanitary-related services rendered by sanitation inspectors by requiring the registration and accreditation of the sanitation inspectors to ensure the healthcare and welfare of the community," he stated in the bill's provisions.
Addressing Low Pay and Workforce Shortages
The senator highlighted the critical yet underappreciated role of sanitation inspectors, who are authorized to enter food-related establishments, exposing them to various health risks. Despite these hazards, many inspectors remain underpaid, with a Sanitary Inspector I currently receiving a monthly salary of only PHP 18,255.
Lacson cited a 2021 joint statement from the Department of Health, World Health Organization, and United Nations Children’s Fund, which revealed a severe shortage of sanitation inspectors in the country. The report indicated that there are only about 2,700 inspectors nationwide, with 68 percent of cities falling below the standard ratio of one inspector per 20,000 population.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation
The bill outlines several important measures to improve the compensation and working conditions for sanitation inspectors:
- Upgrading position titles and salary grades to positively augment basic monetary compensation.
- Requiring registration with and accreditation by local health boards, with public registries posted in provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.
- Mandating regular environmental health sanitation training for accredited inspectors within five years.
Accredited inspectors would receive a comprehensive package of benefits under the proposed law, including:
- Hazard, subsistence, laundry, and transportation allowances.
- Health and medical benefits.
- GSIS insurance coverage and PhilHealth membership.
- Longevity pay and free legal services.
- Preferential access to loans.
The measure also requires compliance with occupational safety and health standards and mandates local health offices to adopt measures that minimize sanitation-related risks for inspectors.
Local Enforcement Meets National Reform
While Baguio City continues its diligent enforcement of sanitation codes in key commercial areas, this national legislative effort promises to support such local initiatives by ensuring that sanitation inspectors receive fair compensation and proper working conditions. The combination of local action and proposed national reforms represents a coordinated approach to strengthening public health protections across the Philippines.
