Tagbilaran City bans use of plastic bags

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – The use of plastics or synthetic products in packaging of bought goods is now prohibited in the city as one way of solving the garbage problem here.

The City Council has decided that the city joins other LGUs in the country in banning the use of plastics, by recently approving an ordinance, authored by Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol Montes and sponsored by Councilor Doni Piquero, for the purpose.

The ordinance, pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 9003 or The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and the Local Government Code of 1991, provides:

“No commercial establishment shall utilize single-use or carry-out plastic bags at the point of sale for the purpose of carrying dry goods. Use of polystyrene or styropor foam is also banned for use as containers for prepared and/or ready-to-eat food, produce and other similar products.”

“Single-use carryout” plastic bags are plastic pouches made of non-biodegradable materials while styrofoam or styropor is referred to as polystyrene foam, a petroleum-based plastic made of styrene monomer and a material that is light in weight and commonly used as container for food, cup for coffee-noodles, plates and protective packaging for electronic products, the ordinance states.

Cash fines and imprisonment are imposed for violations of the measure: A fine of P1,000 and suspension of license in the case of traders for first offense; P3,000 for second offense; and a prosecution proceedings will be carried out in third and succeeding offenses.

Section 11 of the ordinance provides for a 6-month grace period from the date it was approved after which its full implementation will take effect early next year and for the traders/business establishments and/or individuals “to comply with” it.

The Office of the City Mayor is tasked to formulate the corresponding implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the enforcement of the ordinance, while the City Solid Waste Management Office shall monitor and carry out the measure with an initial appropriation of P500,000.

The City Council however encouraged consumers and traders of plastic bags and styrofoam to use the “alternative” and “eco-friendly packaging” instead.

To ensure full awareness of the measure, the city government shall conduct massive information, education and communication efforts with the media and promote eco-friendly and alternative packaging materials, such as “baluyot,” or “baujot” or “bukag” made of indigenous materials and the like. - THE FREEMAN