City/Municipal Health Office (CHO/MHO) - Introduction
The City Health Office (CHO) or Municipal Health Office (MHO) is the local government unit (LGU) office responsible for implementing public health programs, issuing health-related permits and certificates, and ensuring sanitary compliance within the city or municipality. It operates under the local government but follows standards set by the Department of Health (DOH).
What is the City/Municipal Health Office?
- The CHO/MHO is the primary health office at the local government level, headed by the City or Municipal Health Officer
- It issues health certificates for employment, food handling, and other purposes requiring medical clearance
- It processes occupational health permits for workers in food establishments, personal care services, and other regulated industries
- It issues sanitary permits certifying that business establishments comply with sanitation standards under PD 856 (Code on Sanitation of the Philippines)
- The office conducts sanitary inspections of food establishments, markets, water refilling stations, and other regulated businesses
- It manages local public health programs including immunization, maternal and child health, disease surveillance, and nutrition
- The CHO/MHO coordinates with barangay health centers for community-level health services
- Requirements and fees may vary per city or municipality, but all follow DOH-prescribed standards and guidelines
A Simple CHO/MHO Services Overview
Example
Health Certificate: Medical clearance for employment or food handling
Occupational Health Permit: Permit for workers in regulated industries
Sanitary Permit: Certification that a business meets sanitation standards
Step 1: Determine which document or permit you need
Step 2: Prepare required documents and fees
Step 3: Visit your City/Municipal Health Office
Step 4: Undergo medical examination or sanitary inspection
Step 5: Pay fees and receive your certificate or permitExample Explained
Health Certificate: A health certificate is a document issued by the City/Municipal Health Office after a medical examination confirming that an individual is physically fit and free from communicable diseases. It is commonly required for employment — especially in food establishments, schools, malls, and other workplaces. Employers typically require this as part of pre-employment requirements.
Occupational Health Permit: An occupational health permit (also called a health permit or pink card in some LGUs) is a document certifying that a worker has undergone the required medical examinations and is fit to work in food handling, personal care services, or other occupations regulated under the Sanitation Code. It is typically required for food handlers, cooks, waiters, beauticians, and similar workers.
Sanitary Permit: A sanitary permit is issued to business establishments certifying that they have complied with sanitary and health standards set by the DOH and the local government. It is required for food establishments (restaurants, carinderias, food stalls), water refilling stations, beauty salons, barbershops, markets, and other businesses that involve public health. This must be renewed annually.
CHO/MHO Services Overview
Health Certificate
Get a medical clearance certificate for employment. Required by most employers, especially in food, education, and service industries.
Occupational Health Permit
Secure a health permit for workers in food handling, personal care, and other regulated occupations. Also known as pink card or health card in some LGUs.
Sanitary Permit
Apply for a sanitary permit for food establishments, markets, water refilling stations, and other businesses requiring sanitation compliance.
Pre-Marriage Counseling
Attend pre-marriage counseling and secure a health clearance required before marriage. Includes family planning counseling and health checks.
Immunization Services
Free immunization for children and adults under the national immunization program. Includes vaccines for measles, hepatitis, and other diseases.
Other Health Services
Maternal and child health, nutrition programs, disease surveillance, dental services, and community health education.
CHO/MHO Services Quick Reference
| Service | Who Needs It | Legal Basis | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Certificate | Employees, job applicants | PD 856, Local Ordinance | Same day – 3 days |
| Occupational Health Permit | Food handlers, beauticians | PD 856, DOH AO | Same day – 3 days |
| Sanitary Permit | Business owners | PD 856, Local Ordinance | 3–10 working days |
Note: Processing times and fees vary per city or municipality. Some LGUs offer express processing for an additional fee. Visit or contact your local City/Municipal Health Office for exact requirements and fees applicable in your area.
How CHO/MHO Relates to Other Agencies
DOH (Department of Health)
- DOH sets the national health standards and guidelines that CHO/MHO offices follow
- PD 856 (Code on Sanitation) implemented by DOH is the basis for sanitary permits
- DOH provides technical assistance to local health offices
- National immunization programs are implemented through CHO/MHO offices
City Hall / Business Permit Office
- A sanitary permit from CHO/MHO is a requirement for obtaining a business permit from the city/municipal hall
- Health certificates may be required as part of business permit applications for certain industries
- Business permit renewal requires a valid (renewed) sanitary permit
- The CHO/MHO and business permit office often coordinate during business registration season (January)
Key Laws and Regulations
PD 856 — Code on Sanitation of the Philippines
The primary law governing sanitation standards in the Philippines. It requires sanitary permits for food establishments, markets, and other businesses involving public health. It also mandates health certificates for food handlers and workers in regulated industries.
RA 7160 — Local Government Code of 1991
Devolved health services to local government units (LGUs). City and municipal health offices operate under the LGU and are mandated to deliver basic health services, including issuance of health certificates and sanitary permits.
DOH Administrative Orders
Various DOH administrative orders set specific guidelines for health certificates, occupational health permits, and sanitary inspections. These are implemented at the local level by CHO/MHO offices.
Local Ordinances
Each city or municipality may have local ordinances that add specific requirements or fees for health certificates, occupational permits, and sanitary permits. Always check your local CHO/MHO for requirements specific to your area.
Important Reminders
- Health certificates, occupational health permits, and sanitary permits are issued by your local City/Municipal Health Office — not by the DOH Central Office
- Requirements and fees vary per LGU — always verify with your local health office before going
- Health certificates typically require a medical examination (physical exam, chest X-ray, drug test, etc.)
- Sanitary permits must be renewed annually, usually in January along with business permits
- Operating a food establishment without a valid sanitary permit is a violation of PD 856 and can result in closure
- Food handlers must have valid health certificates and occupational health permits at all times while on duty
- Most CHO/MHO offices operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM — some offer Saturday services
- Bring original documents and at least one photocopy of each requirement
- Some LGUs now offer online appointment scheduling — check your city or municipality's website
- For complaints about unsanitary establishments, report to your local CHO/MHO or call the DOH hotline at 1555
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the City Health you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest City Health first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.