In a bold and unprecedented move to safeguard public health, the Iloilo City Government has launched a citywide crackdown on unregistered tattoo artists, marking a significant shift toward the formal regulation of the rapidly growing body art industry.
The sweeping initiative, announced this week by Mayor Jerry Treñas, comes amid an observed surge in the popularity of tattoos among Ilonggos of all ages and social backgrounds. With many artists operating informally — often from home-based studios or mobile setups — city officials have raised alarm bells over the lack of sanitation, professional oversight, and legal compliance in the sector.
A Push for Legitimacy and Safety
“This is about public safety, hygiene, and protecting both the clients and the artists,” said Mayor Treñas in a public statement. “We want to empower our tattoo artists by helping them become more professional, legitimate, and safe in the services they provide.”
The initiative mandates that all tattoo practitioners, whether operating full-fledged studios, freelancing from home, or visiting from other municipalities, must now secure a business permit, a sanitation permit, and a valid health card issued by the Iloilo City Health Office. This also includes artists advertising services through social media platforms and other online marketplaces — a method increasingly popular among young, freelance tattooists.
The regulation is part of a broader campaign to uphold public health standards in personal care services, particularly those that involve skin penetration, where the risk of infection, allergic reactions, and disease transmission (such as hepatitis B, C, or HIV) can be significant if proper sterilization and hygiene protocols are not followed.
Enforcement in Full Swing
The enforcement arm of the city includes the Task Force on Moral Values and Formation (TFMVF) and the Sanitation Division of the Iloilo City Health Office, which have already begun identifying and profiling artists through field visits and surveillance of online advertisements.
Jennifer Avenir, head of the Sanitation Division, emphasized the inclusivity and seriousness of the campaign.
“No one is exempt,” Avenir said. “Even artists from outside Iloilo City who offer services within city limits must register and comply. We want to ensure that all tattoos done in Iloilo are safe and professionally delivered.”
Health officers and licensing enforcers have been deployed to inspect existing studios and conduct unannounced visits to residential areas believed to be hosting underground tattooing operations. Online profiles of suspected unregistered artists are also under review.
Tattoo Community Reacts
While the regulation was initially met with apprehension by some freelance artists, many are beginning to see it as an opportunity to elevate the industry.
Carlos “Los” Galvez, a tattooist who has run a small home studio for five years, said he welcomes the move.
“It’s hard at first, especially if you’ve been doing this without formal training or papers. But if this means more respect for our work, more trust from clients, and maybe even city support in the future, then I’m all for it,” he said.
Several registered tattoo parlors in the city — such as Skin Deep and Inkspire Studios — have praised the crackdown as a step toward raising industry standards and weeding out unsanitary practices that reflect poorly on professional studios.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
The city government has warned that non-compliance could result in administrative sanctions, including cease-and-desist orders, fines, and possible legal charges for repeat offenders. Informal studios caught operating without permits will be subject to immediate shutdown, while violators may also be disqualified from future registration opportunities.
Tattoo artists have been urged to coordinate with the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and the City Health Office (CHO) to process their documentation. The city is also considering workshops and training for artists to learn proper sanitation techniques and health regulations.
Moving Forward
Mayor Treñas reaffirmed that the city government is not against tattooing as an art form or a cultural expression. Instead, he stressed that the regulation aims to legitimize the profession and protect the growing number of clients seeking tattoos.
“Tattoos are personal, meaningful, and powerful,” he said. “But with that power comes responsibility — both on the part of the artist and the city. We owe it to our people to make sure that body art doesn’t come with hidden health risks.”
With growing public awareness and tightening health regulations, Iloilo City is setting an example that other urban areas in the Philippines may soon follow — proving that ink and integrity can go hand-in-hand.
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