March 29, 2024

Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. wants the sharp ends of bamboo barbecue sticks to be removed for the safety of customers in dining establishments.
Under his proposed ordinance approved by the Baguio City Council on first reading last Oct. 31, all business establishments that serve barbecued meat, such as beef, chicken, fish, pork, and all food requiring the use of bamboo barbecue sticks or skewers shall be required to completely cut the sharp end of the sticks before serving the food. 
“If left as it is, the sharp end of skewers can cause untoward injury to the public. To prevent possible occurrence and injury or untoward accident due to the sharp ends of barbecue sticks or skewers, this legislative fiat is hereby being advanced,” Yangot wrote in his proposed ordinance. 
The proposed ordinance also prohibits the recycling of used bamboo barbeque sticks.
Non-compliant establishments/individuals shall be penalized with a P1,000 on first offense; P3,000 on second offense; and P5,000 fine or imprisonment of one month or both upon the discretion of the court and closure of the business establishment on third offense. 
The ordinance shall be known as the Skewers or Bamboo Sticks Regulation Ordinance in the City of Baguio.
The proposed measure was referred to the city council’s committee on health and sanitation, ecology, and environmental protection for review. – Jordan G. Habbiling