A multi-sectoral group is trying to address the gambling problem in Baguio City.
Representatives from the barangay, law enforcement, Health Substance Office, religious sector, academe and advocates attended the first public consultation, July 23, on the proposed Gambling Harms Prevention proposed ordinance led by councilor Paolo Salvosa.
“Kaya gusto natin meron tayong approach na permanent at institutional siya. Kasi meron tayong council for tourism, meron tayong council for culture. Ito mahalagang issue sa atin dito sa Baguio,” he said.
Salvosa is advocating a permanent and institutionalized approach to address the growing harms of gambling in Baguio City, citing sustained attention rather than temporary enforcement efforts.
“Ngayon kasi parang nangyari kapag may nahuli, naging issue, sige action, and then mabubusy na lahat sa ibang bagay. Hanggat sa wala kang team na nakatutok doon, matatabunan siya. Kaya gusto natin maging institutional siya, maging permanent na yung approach natin sa pag-address ng mga naging harm ng gambling sa mga pamilya dito sa Baguio,” he said.
According to Salvosa, gambling-related issues often receive attention only after enforcement operations are conducted, but efforts eventually lose momentum as authorities shift their focus to other concerns.
Salvosa, chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Laws and Governance, said a dedicated body should focus on gambling-related concerns year-round.
Salvosa also emphasized that addressing gambling-related harms should not rely solely on law enforcement, stressing that barangay officials, purok leaders and residents should also take part in reporting illegal gambling activities and supporting prevention efforts within their communities.
Salvosa also emphasized that addressing gambling-related harms should not rely solely on law enforcement, stressing that barangay officials, purok leaders and residents should also take part in reporting illegal gambling activities and supporting prevention efforts within their communities.
“Kailangan talagang makabuo tayo ng grassroots approach, noh, para lahat tayo nagtutulungan. Hindi yung parang nasa police lang. Kailangan din makausap din natin mga purok leader, ano ba yung kailangan nilang nasa ordinance na ‘to, para masita din nila at ma-report,” Salvosa said.
As the proposal moves forward, Salvosa said further consultations will be conducted with stakeholders to clarify issues raised during the public consultation, including rules governing barangay bingo and concerns involving online gambling. He added that the city also intends to consult relevant government agencies before refining the proposed measure for the next stage of deliberations. By Jerome Jacy Cruz, UC Intern
