By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The municipal government of Bayambang, Pangasinan, is expanding its campaign for public order and cleanliness by directing all 77 barangays to establish their own Task Force Disiplina units following the positive results of the municipality-wide program launched last year.
Officials said the move seeks to strengthen the enforcement of local ordinances and national laws at the grassroots level while promoting discipline, environmental responsibility, and community participation.
Municipal Task Force Disiplina Deputy Head Amory Junio said the initiative has already transformed key areas of the town, particularly the central business district, into cleaner and more orderly public spaces.
“Implementing the program was not easy at the start, but the results have proven its value. The town is now more organized, and the benefits are being felt by residents and business owners alike,” Junio said.
The local government maintains that discipline is essential to achieving long-term progress and improving the quality of life in communities.
Under the program, authorities strictly enforce various local ordinances, including regulations on smoking, waste management, obstruction of public roads and sidewalks, stray animals, and the proper use of public spaces.
The initiative also covers actions against unauthorized tricycle operations, compliance with motorcycle rider regulations, and the enforcement of revenue and traffic-related ordinances.
Officials said consistent enforcement has helped improve sanitation, traffic flow, and public safety throughout the municipality.
Through Executive Order No. 197 issued by Mayor Mary Clare Judith Phyllis Jose-Quiambao, every barangay is required to organize and operate its own Task Force Disiplina.
The barangay-based units will be tasked with monitoring compliance, documenting violations, issuing citations, and coordinating enforcement activities with the municipal government’s central task force.
Barangay chairpersons will head the local discipline teams and oversee implementation within their respective jurisdictions.
The executive order authorizes barangays to use portions of their Peace and Order Fund, Development Fund, and other lawful sources to finance operations and enforcement activities.
The municipal government may also extend additional assistance, subject to the availability of funds and approval from the Sangguniang Bayan.
Junio said the local government is currently awaiting approval from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the full institutionalization of the barangay-level task forces.
The central Task Force Disiplina was formally launched in August 2025, with active enforcement beginning in October of the same year.
Since then, residents have observed improvements in cleanliness, orderliness, and compliance with municipal regulations.
Market vendor Kris Castro said traders now make a conscious effort to keep their stalls and surrounding areas clean in support of the program.
She added that municipal cleaners regularly patrol the public market to maintain sanitation and ensure a more pleasant environment for vendors and customers.
Local officials expressed confidence that bringing the program directly to the barangays will further strengthen community discipline and help sustain Bayambang’s efforts toward becoming a cleaner, safer, and more orderly municipality.
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