IN A bid to reduce use of plastic bags, officials in Kapangan, Benguet ordered the utilization of alternative packaging materials.

The town has also banned plastic, Styrofoam, and other synthetic materials that are anti-environment and major contributors to the growing garbage problem in the town.

“It has been more than half a century since plastic was invented and has become very much part of our daily existence and everywhere you go today, plastic liters are spoiling the scenery, and it is now that we are realizing the devastating residual effect of our dependence on plastic products,” Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin in his executive order said.

Among prohibited acts include business establishment asked not to use plastic bags, styrofoam containers for food, and establishments prohibited to offer the sale of plastic bags.

Under the order, all business establishments are required to use packaging materials such as paper or cloth bags, bayong, non-plastic sacks or bags. Bulky goods maybe packed using paper boxes.

The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Menro), Business Permit and Licensing Office, and other departments are tasked to monitor the implementation of the order.

Fermin said the town has begun with the implementation with the central barangay in Paykek as benchmark for other barangays to follow.

He added it was observed that many styrofoam, food packs are evidently being thrown away.

The chief executive said while an ordinance has yet to be released by the municipal council, the town has started the move of using alternative materials such as bayong and recycled bags.

Fermin also stated as businessmen acquire their business permit part of the process include information education campaign urging businesses in the municipality to use alternative packaging materials.

He said as more tourist spots are emerging in the town, they are also asking the cooperation of the tourists to bring home with them their garbage and observed proper waste disposal.