The 15th SP, through the Committee on Ways and Means and Committee on Health, Sanitation and Environmental Protection, conducted a public hearing for approval of Proposed Ordinance No. 09-22, increasing the charges and fees of certain health services offered by the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility (formerly Tagbilaran City Health Office). The amendment is necessary to reflect the current market price of medical care and service, and expand the delivery of medical services of the Outpatient Department of the primary health facility of the city.
The consultation was held on August 15, 2022 at the Saulug Gym of the city with the officials of the 15 barangays, representatives of civil society organizations, heads of national agencies and all interested parties duly invited to attend and present their views, comments, and recommendations on said increase.
No objections to the proposed increase in health services fees were recorded during the public hearing with the participants noting only a minimal increase in the rates presented.
It has been the policy of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran City to conduct public hearings and meetings before approval of resolutions and ordinances, as provided for under City Ordinance No. C-236 or the Rules of Procedure of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran. Public consultations with key stakeholders ensure a more collective and participatory process in policy formulation. Moreover, public hearings for tax and revenue measures are mandatory, pursuant to Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.
Councilor Fausto S. Budlong, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, Councilor Malvin Misael C. Torralba, Chair of the Committee on Health, Sanitation and Environmental Protection, and Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility Head, Dr. Jeia N. Pondoc, led the public hearing.