Key Definitions
- Biodegradation: decomposition by microorganisms.
- Biological Control: pest control using natural predators or parasites.
- Chemical Control: use of pesticides like rodenticides and insecticides.
- Disinfestation: killing vermin in premises or conveyances.
- Environmental Sanitation Control: maintaining cleanliness and construction to prevent pest access.
- Fumigation: applying toxic gases targeting pests.
- Health Certificate: certification after medical examination.
- Infestation: presence of pests in a place.
- Insects: pests such as flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, etc.
- Integrated Control: combination of pest control methods (chemical, biological, mechanical).
- Local Health Authority: the governor (province) or mayor (city/municipality).
- Mechanical Control: use of traps and other mechanical devices.
- Pest: destructive or disease-vector small animals/insects.
- Pesticides: substances to control pests.
- Public Places and Establishments: parks, markets, malls, hospitals, hotels, etc.
- Rodents: rats, mice.
- Safety: condition free from hazards causing disease or accidents.
- Sanitary Permit and Health Certificates: mandatory for operators and applicators.
- Urban Pest Control Operator and Applicator: entities and individuals performing pest control.
- Vermin: insects and rodents that transmit diseases.
- Vermin Abatement Program: preventive and control activities to reduce vermin presence.
Sanitary Permit Requirements
- Sanitary permit required to engage in urban pest control.
- Employing accredited applicator required for issuance.
- Permit needed prior to operation or construction extension.
- Valid for one year, subject to suspension or revocation for violations.
- Posting of permit in a conspicuous place is mandatory.
- Records of permits kept and accessible for inspection.
Health Certificate Requirements
- Urban pest control workers must secure health certificates.
- Certificates are to be visibly clipped on uniforms with photograph.
- Certificates are renewed annually and non-transferable.
Accreditation and Licensing
- Urban pest control operators licensed per PD 1144 regulations.
- Accredited applicators must supervise workers and be present during pesticide application.
- Government agencies and institutions with in-house services must accredit staff.
General Health and Safety Provisions
- Operators must provide annual medical check-ups, PPE, first aid and safety training.
- No poison baits exposed in food-related establishments.
- Chemical spraying must be confined to approved areas.
- Proper disposal of pesticides and containers required.
- Vehicles transporting pesticides must carry emergency wash facilities and protective equipment.
- Pesticide containers must be properly labeled; transferring prohibited unless with precautions.
Vermin Abatement Program Requirements
- Should be community-wide, participative, technically coordinated, continuous, and a public-private partnership.
- May utilize indigenous technology.
- Methods include environmental sanitation, biological, mechanical, chemical, and integrated controls.
- Owners/operators must maintain programs; local health authority may intervene at their expense if neglected.
- Use of hazardous pesticides should be minimized through integrated control and traditional pesticides.
- Standing water, wastes, or harborages promoting vermin breeding are unlawful.
- Local health officer decides procedures and frequency based on survey and disease data.
- Regulations for ports and airports are under National Quarantine Office jurisdiction.
- Community fogging limited to specific circumstances like epidemics.
Vermin Control in Public Places
- Methods include larviciding, cleaning of breeding sites, fogging, trapping, screening, water container maintenance, food covering, and general cleanliness.
- Rodent control involves rat-proofing buildings, eliminating harborages, mechanical trapping, rodenticide use with emergency instructions, and natural predators.
Vermin Control in Public Places Establishments
- Tight-fitting screens for food processing areas.
- Insect-proofing facilities (air curtains, wire mesh) in food handling establishments.
- Covered overflow pipes and water-tight septic tanks.
- Prohibition of sullage discharge into open drains.
- Tree trimming near buildings to deter rodents.
- Proper segregation and storage of biodegradable waste.
Vermin Control in Food Establishments and Facilities
- Screening and rat-proofing of doors and windows.
- Proper covering of food and utensils during pest control operations.
- Separate storage for chemicals away from food.
- Daily disposal of decaying waste.
- Use of physical pest control during emergencies authorized.
- Controlled setting release of vermin or pathogens requires approval.
Building and Residence Vermin Control
- New buildings require concrete impervious floors or elevation for vermin-proofing.
- Premises must be kept clean and vermin proof.
- Repair mandates restoring vermin-proofing if altered.
- Owners/occupants required to eradicate vermin upon infestation.
- Tree branches trimmed to prevent rodent access.
Ports, Airports, Vessels, Aircraft, and Conveyances
- Quarantine medical officers maintain vermin control at ports and airports.
- Measures for sanitation ensure no harm to people, structure, cargo.
- Docks must prevent rodent access and protect foodstuffs.
- International ports follow WHO standards.
- Ocean-going vessels subject to rat infestation inspection and certification.
- Docking vessels required to maintain specified rat guards and lighting.
- Vessels from plague-infested ports subject to quarantine measures.
- Short-distance watercraft inspected by local health officers.
- Owners and operators responsible for compliance.
- Public utility vehicles disinfected to prevent vermin migration.
Evaluation of Establishments
- Inspections done quarterly by local health officers with mission orders.
- Inspection fees collected per ordinance.
- Inspectors wear official uniform and use standardized equipment.
- Inspection reports recorded using a 20-item checklist; non-compliance assigned demerits.
- Establishments graded from Excellent to Satisfactory or below according to percentage standards.
- Substandard establishments recommended for suspension.
- Reports and sanitary orders provided to operators with specific correction timelines.
- Non-compliance leads to permit revocation procedures.
Service of Notice, Revocation, Suspension and Appeals
- Sanitary orders issued for non-compliance; grace periods provided.
- Extensions requested in writing; hearings for revocation conducted.
- Revocation recommendations made for failure to comply.
- Suspension possible for hazardous conditions.
- Permit suspension can be lifted upon compliance.
- Court proceedings may be initiated against operators violating revocation.
- Appeals handled by local health authority; decisions are final.
Powers of Entry and Hearings
- Authorized officers may enter premises for inspection at reasonable times.
- Inspections usually conducted during operating hours.
- Local health authorities may conduct hearings on establishments' compliance.
Responsibilities of the Local Health Authority
- Enforcement of these regulations.
- Conducting periodic inspections and identifying pest problem areas.
- Preparing control programs and public health campaigns.
- Instituting training programs based on ecological pest management principles.
- Managing vermin control in public places owned or operated by local government.
- Approving vermin abatement program procedures and frequency.
- Implementing vermin abatement programs when owners/operators neglect their duties.
Penalties for Violations
- Violations punishable by imprisonment up to six months, fines up to P1,000, or both.
- Interference with officers performing duties or defacing notices also penalized similarly.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid, remaining provisions remain effective.
Repealing Clause
- Prior inconsistent rules and guidelines are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- Rules take effect fifteen days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.