BAGUIO CITY – The City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved on first reading, a proposed ordinance prohibiting the use of single use plastics during government activities and seminars in the city and providing penalties for violations of the proposed measure.
Under the proposed ordinance, the use of single use plastics in all government-sponsored activities, seminars and meetings in the city shall be prohibited.
Further, government offices, employees and even organizers are encouraged to utilize eco-friendly and re-usable alternatives such as reusable containers, utensils, and biodegradable packaging.
The ordinance shall apply to all local government units, government offices, departments, agencies and all public events, seminars or activities organized by the local government and other government institutions, including the city’s 128 barangays.
However, the ordinance stipulated that exemptions from the implementation of the proposed measure shall be granted in case where the use of single use plastics is necessary for health and safety reasons such as medical-related materials, medical gloves, syringes, among others and in emergency situations where re-usable or biodegradable alternatives are unavailable.
Violations of the pertinent provisions of the ordinance shall be penalized with a written warning that shall be issued to the offending government office or organizer for the first offense; a fine of PhP1,000 which shall be imposed on the offending government office or organizers for the second offense and a fine of PhP3,000 and mandatory community service related to environmental advocacy for not less than 72 hours for the third offense.
The ordinance tasked the City General Services Office to enforce the pertinent provisions of the proposed measure. This office shall conduct periodic inspections during the conduct of government activities to ensure compliance.
Moreover, the local government shall conduct a massive information and education campaign to inform all government offices, employees and the public about the harmful effects of single use plastics and the importance of using eco-friendly alternatives.
The ordinance pointed out that local governments have the responsibility to implement environmentally sustainable policies to mitigate pollution and promote public health and environmental welfare.
Moreover, it added that the local government recognizes the significant environmental impact of plastic pollution, particularly single use plastics which contribute to waste and harm ecosystems.
The ordinance claimed that the use of single use plastics such as plastic straws, stirrers, utensils, plastic bags and Styrofoam during government-sponsored activities, meetings and seminars generates unnecessary waste and poses a serious threat to the environment.
It emphasized that promoting sustainable practices during government events can serve as a model for the community and encourage the reduction of plastic waste in every activity contributing to the long-term protection of natural resources. By Dexter A. See
