Dipolog City, April 25, 2025
Aiming to safeguard marine wildlife and prevent environmental hazards, the City of Dipolog has officially enacted Ordinance No. 25-365, titled “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Release of Balloons and Sky Lanterns into the Airspace within the Territorial Jurisdiction of the City of Dipolog and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof.”
The ordinance, approved during the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s regular session on April 8, 2025, seeks to address the rising environmental risks posed by the release of balloons and sky lanterns during various public and private celebrations. Spearheaded by City Councilor Hon. Jonald C. Napigquit and unanimously supported by the council, the measure was later signed into law by Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy.
Dipolog, a known coastal city, is taking a proactive stand to protect its marine biodiversity. The release of balloons and sky lanterns, though festive in appearance, often results in litter that ends up in the ocean, where it poses grave dangers to marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. The Sea Turtle Foundation reports that over 100,000 marine animals and around one million seabirds die each year due to ingesting or getting entangled in balloon debris and similar waste.
Sky lanterns, aside from being potential pollutants, also pose serious fire hazards, particularly in dry or densely populated areas. With this ordinance, the city seeks to eliminate such risks, especially during frequent celebrations like weddings, fiestas, funerals, sports, and promotional events.
To ensure effective implementation, the ordinance mandates that hotels, resorts, memorial gardens, cemeteries, and event venues within the city display clear warnings about the prohibition. These establishments are held responsible for informing clients and event organizers about the regulation.
Violators will face the following penalties:
- First offense: ₱1,000 fine or 8 hours of community service
- Second offense: ₱3,000 fine
- Third offense: ₱5,000 fine and 30 days imprisonment
The ordinance is grounded in the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), which empowers local government units to enact measures to protect the environment and impose penalties on activities that harm public safety and ecological balance.
Environmental Impact and Significance
The passage of this ordinance marks a crucial step in Dipolog’s environmental protection efforts. By curbing the release of harmful materials into the air and seas, the city reinforces its commitment to sustainable practices and the conservation of marine life.
Beyond local borders, this action sets an example for other coastal communities in the Philippines. It demonstrates how local governance can directly contribute to global efforts in reducing pollution, preserving biodiversity, and promoting ecological responsibility.