Residents of Barangay Caluttit in Bontoc, Mountain Province are calling for stricter implementation of the existing ordinance against spitting “momma”. This comes after concerns over public sanitation and health risks associated with the chewing of betel nut.
“Momma” is like an addictive bubble gum that consists of betel nut, hapid (local peppermint), bua (areca nut) and apog (slaked lime). For older people, they add tobacco for more flavor and this can make the “momma” more addicting.
As stipulated in the Municipality Ordinance No. 125 of 2008 known as the sanitation ordinance for spitting momma, it prohibits spitting momma in any public places within the premises of the municipality other than their private or personal places. This also penalizes any unsanitary sight that may cause inconvenience or discomfort to the community of Bontoc.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), betel nut chewers are advised to avoid chewing betel nuts frequently as they may be at risk of developing mouth infections and cancer.
With this, the ordinance is not only being created to penalize those who violate it but this also promotes proper sanitation and encourages a healthy lifestyle and environment. Hence, barangay officials demanded betel nut chewers to abide by and cooperate with the ordinance to help in the cleanliness and tidiness of the community.
However, while the ordinance exists, residents of Barangay Caluttit requested stricter enforcement of the ordinance regarding spitting momma. They also suggested that betel nut chewers should bring their own spitting bottle to avoid tainting public establishments and streets.
In an interview with Jimmy Cherwaken. Barangay Chairman of Caluttit, he acknowledged the suggestion of bringing spittoon bottles, but also raised concerns about the possibility that the used bottles will be scattered on the streets and may worsen the issue of improper disposal of used bottles for betel nuts.
To strengthen the implementation of the ordinance, Cherwaken said that there should be increased penalties and higher fines for the violators of the ordinance.
“Kaso tatta, baka makuranganda ta penalty ta nababa. So need-mi manen nga i-amend tapno at least ikkanminto ti dakdakkel a penalty. Adda met ti ordinance, ngem pagtutungtunganmi pay laeng nga amendaran detoy ordinance-mi idi 2011 ta nababa ngamin.” said Cherwaken [But now, they are unsatisfied with the penalty because it is very low. So, we need to amend it again so we can at least fine and collect a bigger penalty. There is a given ordinance but we plan on amending the ordinance of 2011 because it has a low penalty].
To intensify public education about the ordinance, the barangay posted some warning signs “NO SPITTING OF MOMMA” from Barangay Ordinance No.3 of 2011.
Violators of this ordinance are given a warning ticket for the time being, then they are fined 300.00 pesos for the first offense and 500.00 pesos for the second offense. The Barangay officials were given the authority by the municipal government to apprehend any violators caught in the act.
