Asturias enforces ‘no plastic’ policy

CEBU, Philippines —  The Municipality of Asturias has clarified that its "no plastic policy" would specifically target business establishments using plastic bags or containers, and not the consumers.

The ordinance was re-imposed throughout the entire Asturias on March 1 after being postponed for roughly four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Joann J. Rosario, head of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), said Municipal Executive Order 35 series of 2019 aims to lessen the usage of plastic materials in the town to increase the lifespan of its landfill from getting full quickly.

Rosario explained the increase in plastic production stems from business establishments using plastic in packing their goods, which is why the existing ordinance targets to penalize them directly, not their buyers.

Rosario said section 3 states that "no business establishments shall utilize plastic bags and packing materials on dry goods" and clarified that consumers bringing their plastic bags would not be penalized under the law, as long as they dispose of it properly or keep it for future use.

The ordinance prohibits using plastic cups, bags, spoons and forks, and sauce cups, among others, for establishments, both big and small-time businesses.

But Rosario said they would not ban the selling of ice and ice candies, except ice water, in sari-sari stores.

"We do not have any alternative for that (ice and ice candy). And like ice, people consume it at home most of the time, so more likely, the plastic used for it would be disposed of properly," said Rosario.

For alternatives, she suggested replacing plastic cups and sauce cups with their paper versions, while the styrofoam food containers with disposable microwave containers.

Rosario also urged the people of Asturias to bring their eco bags and containers and refrain from forcing establishments to issue them plastic bags.

Rosario said those establishments caught will get a verbal warning at first, and would then progress to the issuance of citation tickets and the implementation of penalties.

For the first offense, violators will pay a penalty of P1,000, while the second offense costs P1,500.

The third offense comes with a P2,000-penalty and a possible revocation of license to operate for one year.

She also reminded bakeries using plastic bags instead of paper bags (bolsita) that the first offense comes with a P500 penalty; P1,000 for the second offense, and P1,500 for the third offense or cancellation of their license to operate for six months.

"We do not really focus on the penalties but on the essence of saving our environment and keeping it healthy here in Asturias," said Rosario. — GAN (FREEMAN)