Binaliw regulates benefit dances

CEBU, Philippines - The mountainous barangay of Binaliw, Cebu City does not only have the reputation as one of the child-friendly barangays in Cebu City, it also wants to be known as a place of peace and order.

The Barangay Council passed an ordinance that will regulate discos and benefit dances in all sitios to avoid crimes, many of which happen during benefit dances.

Binaliw is about 14 kilometers from the city proper. It is divided into six sitios, namely: Binaliw I, Binaliw II, Binaliw III, Mansawa, Agpasan and Luton.

Binaliw Barangay Captain Wilson Bacor said they will no longer allow disco and benefit dances without securing proper permit from the Cebu City Government and the barangay council.

The barangay ordinance, however, is still with the Cebu City Council’s committee on laws, ordinances, public accountability and good governance for comments.

According to Bacor, they want to regulate the holding of disco and benefit dances because most of the time, trouble happens inside discos and benefit dances. They also observed that minors usually come inside these places.

Under the proposed ordinance, it will be the responsibility of chapel officers and activity organizers to create and provide five people as peacekeeping officers when they have this activity.

They should also submit to the barangay the list of the members of their peacekeeping force for a briefing on security measures, as well as the approved mayor’s permit at least three days before the activity.

During the disco, organizers must see to it that no smoking, drinking and using of firecrackers will be allowed.

The barangay will disallow or stop the disco or benefit dance if the organizers fail to present a permit or does not follow the rules set by the barangay.

Each sitio has its own annual fiesta depending on their respective patron saint. There are hundreds of families who live in each sitio. —/JPM (FREEMAN)