In a decisive moment toward a cleaner and more organized city, Mayor John Dalipe
signs two landmark ordinances – one promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility through the CLAYGO policy, and the other, creating the Office of the Zoning Administrator, on April 14.
Ordinance No. 713 entitled “An Ordinance Advocating Cleanliness and Environmental Responsibility through Mandating and Institutionalizing the Clean as You Go (CLAYGO) policy in all food establishments within the jurisdiction of Zamboanga City,” aims to promoting cleanliness, discipline and environmental responsibility among food establishments.
Under the ordinance, fast food chains, cafeterias and similar food outlets are mandated to implement the CLAYGO policy. Establishments must display proper signages, maintain clean dining areas, install segregated waste bins and provide handwashing stations. Non-compliance will result in escalating fines starting at P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for second offense and P3,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.
The ordinance excludes fine dining and full-service restaurants and grants a 180-day grace period for compliance.
The CLAYGO Board along with the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) Division and the City Health Office (CHO) will oversee implementation and enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Ordinance No. 714 also known as “An Ordinance Creating the Office of the Zoning Administrator, Appropriating Funds, therefore and for other purposes,” establishes an independent office of the Zoning Administrator, separating zoning duties from the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO). The move is aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and enforcement of zoning laws.
The new office will manage zoning permits, locational clearances and inspections, which serves as the secretariat for the City Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals (CZBAA).
To ensure technical competence, the Zoning Administrator must be a licensed Environmental Planner, a 10-year resident in Zamboanga City and have experience in zoning or a related field.
Two major sections will operate under the Office of the City Mayor including the Building and Business Evaluation Section (BBES) and the Subdivision Evaluation Section (SES).
The ordinance also outlines personnel structure, salary grades and funding mechanisms including the creation of a Zoning Fund Trust Account.
Likewise, the City Human Resource and Management Office (CHRMO) is also expected to play a key role in facilitating the transition and staffing for the newly established office in accordance with the Civil Service and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) guidelines.
The CPDO will now focus solely on planning functions and will be reorganized into five specialized divisions to streamline its operations including the Planning and Programming Division (PPD); Special Project Division (SPD); Monitoring, Evaluation and People Empowerment Division (MEPED); Mapping and Statistical Services Division (MSSD); and Administrative Services Division (ADSD).
The ceremonial signing took place at the City Hall conference room and was attended by Vice Mayor Josephine “Pinpin” Pareja, Councilors Vino Guingona, Al-Jihan Edding and Liga ng Mga Barangay President Jordan Evangelista, CPDO Coordinator Ma. Luz Agbayani, Asst. CPDO Coordinator Jessie Christopher Lapinid, representatives and staff from the City Council, CZBA and CPDO. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)
