CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The use and sale of all non-biodegradable packaging materials will be regulated in this city starting September 19.

This was after the City Council approved an ordinance, which outlined the gradual realization of a plastic-free city.

All residents, transients, and business operators in the city are expected to observe a "Plastic Regulation Day" every Friday, which will disallow the stores to "utilize or provide free plastic bags as primary and secondary packaging materials on dry goods to consumers except those pre-packed goods by the manufacturers."

The city ordinance set the price of the plastic bags and paper bags at P4 and P1 respectively. It also prescribes the stores to "utilize, sell, or provide styrofoam as packaging material or container for food products for customers."

On December 14, 2014, the ordinance will then cover the prohibition of providing free plastic bags for both dry goods and wet goods.

The plastic-free ordinance by June 13, 2015 will ensure that "no store shall utilize, sell, or provide plastic bags as primary and secondary packaging materials on dry and wet goods to customers except those pre-packed goods by the manufacturers."

The city government passed Ordinance 008, Series of 2014, with the goal of encouraging stakeholders to minimize the use of plastic bags and styrofoam products in their daily activities.

In addition, it also promotes the use of indigenous reusable bags or eco-bags as an alternative to plastic bags, which will also encourage livelihood projects on reusable bag-making.

As flooding remains a major problem in the city, the said ordinance also hopes to prevent or at least mitigate flood occurrences by getting rid of solid wastes that clog waterways and drainages.

In this regard, the plastic-free ordinance is additionally set "to decrease the volume of generated plastic or solid wastes, thus reducing the cost of solid waste management and disposal," the City Council said.

According to the ordinance, first-time violators will receive a warning with compulsory attendance to a Values Formation Seminar.

A fine of P 1,000 and 3,000 will be meted for second offense and third offense while fourth and succeeding offenses will entail the cancellation of business permit to operate of vendors.