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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sta. Barbara town controls use, sale of plastic bags
By Ruby P. Silubrico
ILOILO CITY -- Officials of Sta. Barbara town in Iloilo have started implementing Tuesday the newly approved Municipal Ordinance that regulates the use of plastic bags as packing or bagging materials.
Vice Mayor Rodulfo Delgado said the ordinance will be strictly enforced in the town's public market, supermarkets, groceries, and retail stores.
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Delgado said the ordinance is intended to limit if not totally eliminate the use of plastics bags, which are known to be environmentally hazardous, in the town.
The ordinance requires vendors to use paper or cloth bags, buri bags or bayong, and other non-plastic materials like sacks and sturdy reusable shopping bags, and biodegradable plastics and other containers instead of plastic bags as packing and bagging materials.
It also encourages the placing of bulky goods in paper boxes or cartons or other biodegradable bagging materials.
Delgado added that the ordinance intends to prohibit the sale, distribution, or delivery of non-biodegradable plastic bags or similar items in any establishments within the municipality of Sta. Barbara.
However, establishments that have previously printed or acquired volumes of non-biodegradable plastic bags are given three months from the effectivity of the measure to utilize or dispose of the materials.
To avail of this provision, the stores or establishments must inform the office of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (Menro) about their supply of plastic bags.
Delgado said the regulation is also intended to maintain cleanliness in the market and other parts of the town.
The regulation does not only encourage people to be environment-friendly but also instills in them the value of recycling.
Sta. Barbara Mayor Isabelo Maquino said the ordinance will encourage people in the town to bring their own plastic bags when buying things at the market. The bags will be marked before they enter the market so any violation would be detected.
He said Municipal Administrator Glenn Beup will oversee the strict enforcement of the ordinance.
Sanctions for violating the measure include fines and imprisonment depending on the gravity of the offense. (Sun.Star Iloilo/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Bacolod. (April 30, 2008 issue)
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