SALCEDO, EASTERN SAMAR — Municipal Mayor Melchor L. Mergal has issued Executive Order No. 59, Series of 2026, creating the Salcedo El Niño Fire Watch Task Force and strengthening the municipality’s measures against fire incidents and open burning amid the prevailing El Niño conditions.
The Executive Order recognizes the increased fire risk brought about by severe dry spells, abnormally low rainfall, and unusually high temperatures across Eastern Samar. It seeks to strengthen coordinated fire prevention, monitoring, enforcement, and public awareness throughout the Municipality of Salcedo.
Strengthened Fire Prevention and Enforcement
The newly created Task Force brings together the Municipal Government, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Municipal Agriculture Office, Philippine National Police, and the municipality’s Punong Barangays.
Under the Order, the Task Force is mandated to strengthen enforcement of the prohibition against open burning and to undertake regular monitoring in areas considered vulnerable to fire.
The Executive Order also provides a comprehensive penalty scheme for violations of the open burning prohibition, in accordance with applicable national laws. Penalties may include administrative fines, community service, criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and other sanctions depending on the nature and circumstances of the violation.
Alternative Waste Management Practices
To eliminate the need for open burning, households, commercial establishments, and agricultural farms are directed to observe appropriate waste-management practices.
Organic yard waste such as leaves, twigs, and grass clippings shall be managed through backyard composting, localized vermicomposting, or other appropriate methods. Recyclable and residual wastes are to be properly segregated and brought to the appropriate Barangay Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
Agricultural residues, including grass cuttings, coconut husks, and weeds, are prohibited from being burned in the field. Farmers are instead encouraged and directed to adopt practices such as in-field decomposition, biomass mulching, and localized tilling techniques, with technical guidance from the Municipal Agriculture Office.
Daily Monitoring and Coordinated Response
The Task Force is directed to deploy daily mobile monitoring units and conduct checkpoint reviews in vulnerable farming areas. Barangay Tanods are also authorized to issue formal citations as provided under the Order.
A 24/7 hotline communication network shall likewise be maintained among the BFP Salcedo Station, Salcedo Municipal Police Station, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to facilitate timely coordination and response.
Public Information and Community Mobilization
Recognizing that effective fire prevention requires community participation, the Executive Order mandates immediate and comprehensive dissemination of its provisions.
The municipality’s 41 Punong Barangays are directed to reproduce and distribute copies of the Order to their respective purok leaders and ensure that its contents are explained and discussed during barangay assemblies. Information shall also be disseminated through local public address systems.
The Municipal Information Officer is tasked to publish the full text of the Executive Order through the Official Website of the LGU of Salcedo and its official social media platforms, while copies shall also be provided to local community radio stations and news outlets.
Printed copies and information materials are likewise to be posted in strategic public places, including the Municipal Hall, Barangay Halls, public markets, Rural Health Units, and public schools. The MENRO, MAO, and MDRRMO are tasked to conduct targeted information campaigns among farmers’ cooperatives, fisherfolk associations, and commercial establishments.
Effective Immediately
Executive Order No. 59, Series of 2026, takes effect immediately and shall remain operational until the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declares the official cessation of the El Niño dry anomaly.
The Municipality of Salcedo calls on all residents, businesses, farmers, barangays, and other stakeholders to strictly observe the provisions of the Order and actively participate in preventing fire incidents.
Fire prevention is a shared responsibility. Through vigilance, proper waste management, and community cooperation, we can help protect lives, property, agriculture, and the environment of Salcedo.
Read the full text of Executive Order No. 59, Series of 2026, below.
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