LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – Exit the plastic bag, enter the bayong.
This town’s Sangguniang Bayan has banned the use of plastic bags as packaging materials for dry and wet goods.
The municipal council also prohibited the use of Styrofoam as containers, and enjoined residents to properly dispose of their plastic waste.
Business establishments and individuals found violating the municipal ordinance authored by councilor Ma. Luisa Wassmer will be fined P500 for the first offense; P1,000 for the second offense; and P2,500 for the third offense, which may include imprisonment of not more than six months upon the court’s discretion and in the case of business establishments, cancellation of their licenses for one year.
To reduce, if not totally eliminate, the use of plastic bags as packaging materials, the municipal council is encouraging the use of woven bags (bayong), cloth bags (katsa), paper bags, and other materials. It is also asking residents to promote the “Bring Own Bag” program. – Rudy A. Fernandez