CEBU, Philippines - Event organizers are now required by the Mandaue City government to submit first their security, traffic and sanitation plan as part of the requirements in securing permits from the City Hall.
It has been observed, according to Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing, that events and activities are "a tremendous strain to the city" using the resources of the government and in causing public inconvenience in case of road closures.
Quisumbing told The FREEMAN that he will be meeting with business establishments, bar owners and event organizers this week to discuss regulations on holding of events or similar activities.
"First of all, thank you for your interest in holding your event in Mandaue City. But before you advertise, get your permits or coordinate with the City first," Quisumbing said in his letter sent to business establishments.
While the mayor appreciates events being held in the city, Quisumbing pointed out events usually start early and end very late at night and that the cost in meals for enforcers are not being considered.
As some events are held during weekends, the city also has to deploy its enforcers on weekends as well.
It has also been observed that after the events, plastic cups and other kinds of rubbish are just left scattered.
"Though we understand this can be a good promotional tool for the City, the cost in meals for enforcers (many events start very early in the morning or end late at night), overtime for city personnel (events are often on the weekends) sanitation (garbage collection) can often be quite significant," the mayor said.
The mayor, however, does not mind if the event conducted will be for charity.
"It would be one thing if these events were for charity, in which case we would wholeheartedly support but the vast majority of these are for profit," he said.
Quisumbing has already asked the City Council to draft an ordinance that sets regulations for future event organizers to comply with. (FREEMAN)