City ordinance no. 22, series of 2020, that regulates the operation of all health and bodybuilding clubs, physical fitness centers, aerobics and slimming salons or gyms in the city and providing penalties and violation thereof, has been found not to have been fully implemented.
This is stated in a status report, Dec. 12, 2024, on the legislative monitoring and evaluation of the said measure conducted by Nechel Ocasion, local legislative staff assistant 3, of the City Council, and submitted to Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan.
The status report’s conclusion is based on information and reports submitted by City Mayor’s Office-Permits and Licensing Division (CMO-PLD), City Health Services Office (CHSO)-Environment Health Sanitation Division, and all managers/owners/proprietors/operators of health and bodybuilding clubs, physical fitness centers, aerobics and slimming salons or gyms in the Summer Capital.
It suggests that the local legislature consider recommendations of the concerned offices like including the City Administrator’s Office-Sports and Recreation Division as one of the implementing offices in addition to the CHSO and the CMO-PLD.
Also to be included in the said ordinance’s explanatory note: “Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the Sanitation Code of the Philippines, requires the worker of these establishments to secure a health certificate and working permit from the Health Services Office.”
It suggested that the local government in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, conduct the standard first aid training for free and consider the requirement on the submission of medical certificates prior to enrolment to any of the fitness programs offered by the establishments; among others.**Gaby B. Keith
