Councilor Suma-al expects strict implementation of ‘no plastic’ ordinance in Tabuk

Tabuk City, Kalinga – In order to address the volume of plastics in the city’s waste stream, City Councilor Samuel Suma-al expects strict implementation of the ordinance regulating the use of cellophane and sando bags and prohibiting the use of styrofoam as food containers after its enactment.

Recently, the ordinance has been approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and shall take effect 15 days after being published in a local newspaper.

Once effective, Suma-al said the ordinance must be strictly implemented or it will be useless, “uray nu adda ordinance tayo, nu haan met matutukan nga i-implement dagitoy enforcers tayo, awan met lang serbi na iti ordinance nu awan iti ngipen na.”

Sumaal explained that the ordinance could very well save the streams and rivers from further pollution as well as the trouble of declogging canals and sewerage in the City, adding its immediate implementation is highly recommended.

“Dapat ma-implement kuma dayta a dagus[once effective] ta daytoy problema tayo garud iti basura, dagitoy cellophane kas kada styrofoam. Talaga a dayta iti dakkel a problema tayo ditoy Tabuk,” he said.

If not plastic, what is the alternative?

Instead of plastic, the people in Tabuk City are encouraged to use reusable woven bags (bayong), cloth bags, rattan baskets, shopping bags made from recycled materials, and other bags made of biodegradable materials (e.g.: banana leaves, taro leaves, water lily, corn stalk, etc.).

Moreover, business establishments and vendors are mandated to use environmentally friendly packaging.

In the said ordinance, business establishments, restaurants, fast-food outlets, food kiosks, catering services, and others shall be prohibited from utilizing, selling, or providing styrofoam or expanded polystyrene foam as containers for food and beverages.

Fines against violators of the ordinance

Violators of the ordinance shall pay P500.00 and the prohibited materials will be confiscated for first offense; P1,000 and confiscation of prohibited materials for second offense; and P3,000 and cancellation or revocation of license to operate in the case of business establishments for third offense.

Meantime, the Public Order and Safety Office, the Business Permit and Licensing Office, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Market Administration Office, and the Barangay Local Government Units are designated to be the lead agencies and offices to implement the ordinance.

The barangay officials are deputized to implement the ordinance and authorized to issue citation tickets for any violation. They shall be entitled 50% share from the amount of fines collected based on the citation tickets issued.

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