The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has unanimously approved on first, second, and third and final reading an amendatory ordinance to City Ordinance No. 244, which strengthens regulations on special cockfighting, or pabulang, for charitable purposes.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of the SP Committee on Ways and Means, and co-authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos, author of the original ordinance, the new measure introduces two changes aimed at increasing community benefit from cockfighting events.
The first amendment fixes the amount of financial assistance to be given to accredited charitable institutions at a minimum of P5,000 per derby day, regardless of the type or number of entries.
This ensures a more consistent and meaningful contribution to beneficiaries, such as daycare centers, nongovernmental organizations, and people’s organizations, Distrito said in a press release Aug. 10.
The second amendment grants barangays the option to hold special cockfights, either during their Barangay Day, or Charter Day, aside from their Fiesta Day, recognizing the cultural roots of cockfighting and its role as a traditional means of raising funds for community programs.
The period of pabulang remains to be held within two weeks of the fiesta and barangay or charter day. Barangays can only still conduct cockfighting twice a year.
“This amendment ensures that our ordinances keep pace with present realities. By fixing the assistance at P5,000 per day, we guarantee a more meaningful contribution to charitable causes, while also giving our barangays the opportunity to raise funds for their own programs during their special celebrations,” Distrito stressed.
The ordinance reiterates strict monitoring of contributions by the city’s Department of Social Services and Development, to ensure that all funds are used solely for their intended purposes, such as for educational materials, daycare center improvements, and capability-building for daycare workers.
Distrito said the amendatory ordinance will take effect immediately after approval of Mayor Greg Gasataya. ||
