Bataan SP pushes stronger veterinary services, education pact, and local ordinance reviews

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bataan convened for its 30th Regular Session on February 9, 2026, approving a series of key measures aimed at strengthening public health, education infrastructure, and local governance across the province.

Foremost among the approved measures was a resolution strongly urging all municipalities and the component city of Bataan to immediately create, fund, and fill the position of Municipal or City Veterinarian, in accordance with Republic Act No. 7160. The SP emphasized that appointing licensed veterinarians is a critical step in preventing and controlling rabies, African Swine Fever (ASF), and other animal-borne and transmissible diseases, while safeguarding public health, food security, and the livelihoods of local farmers and communities.

The provincial board also ratified the procedure and decision reached through referendum in passing Resolution No. 065, Series of 2026, which approves the terms and conditions of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd). The agreement covers the implementation of the Basic Education Facilities Program in Bataan and authorizes the Provincial Governor to enter into and sign the said MOA, reinforcing the province’s commitment to improving school infrastructure.

In the same session, the SP declared valid several city and municipal ordinances from the City of Balanga and the municipalities of Orion, Mariveles, Abucay, and Pilar. These ordinances cover the adoption of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, extension of payment periods for business taxes and regulatory fees without penalties, establishment of children’s welfare and environmental codes, creation of a cost-recovery mechanism and trust fund for anti-rabies vaccination, and reclassification of certain agricultural lands to residential and agro-industrial use.

Meanwhile, the SP declared the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 of the Municipality of Bagac, under Appropriation Ordinance No. 06, Series of 2025, as valid but inoperative in part, subject to specific conditions. The Supplemental Budgets of the municipalities of Bagac and Samal were likewise declared valid and operative in their entirety, also subject to conditions set by the provincial board.