Amendments eyed for paper bag law

EFFORTS to bring back the title as “cleanest and greenest” city are gaining ground with the implementation of local environmental laws.

Addressing the source of waste is one major concern of the City Government in approving City Ordinance Number 26 series of 2007 otherwise known as Baguio City’s “Paper Bag Ordinance” approved five years ago.

In a media briefing Wednesday, Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas expressed his hopes for the collective cooperation in adhering to the ordinance which is set to be fully implemented this year.

The law promotes paper bags, buri bags, and other biodegradable containers to be used by supermarkets, grocery stores and business establishments in packing goods.

“This is one way of decreasing the volume of residual wastes mostly plastics which finds itself in the dumps and canals,” Fariñas said.

“The ordinance is currently being monitored now that it has reached its implementation period and a lot of business establishments are complying,” he added.

However, due to the clamor of some business establishments which seeks for a public consultation regarding the said ordinance, Farinas said he will recommend certain amendments to the ordinance which would take into account suggestions from sectors directly involved in the trade.

“There have been minor problems along the way which needs to be resolved,” he said.

Farinas added, “An extensive review on the kinds of plastics allowed to be used and those not allowed.”

Though sectors have different views in the implementation of the ordinance, Farinas said, “Simple efforts of the people in minimizing the use of plastic sando bags can play a big part in helping decrease the sources of waste.” (Paul Rillorta)