HUNDREDS of Fernandinos took the challenge of beating plastic pollution as they participated in the “Refill Revolution” held June 5 at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in the City of San Fernando.
The activity is a one-day series of refilling wherein participants who bring their own plastic bottles and containers may avail of condiments, toiletries, household liquid products and detergents with a 50 percent discount.
The refillers were Hahsy Industries, Incorporated and Wellmade Manufacturing Corporation.
Various freebies, including snacks, were also provided by private partners such as Interbev, Big E Corporation, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Prime Water, Unahco, Incorporated, Soliman E.C. and Unilab.
During the program, Mayor Edwin Santiago stressed that the local government remains true to its mandate of lessening waste products particularly plastics. He also highlighted the effective implementation of the city’s Plastic-Free Ordinance which was passed in 2014.
“We are environment lovers and it is apt that we take of it for the next generation,” he added.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Regional Director Lormelyn Claudio said the program was dubbed revolution because it entails continuous actions to reduce packaging waste materials which is usually rooted in the consumption of products sold in sachets or tingi-tingi.
“It takes 400 to 700 years for plastic sachets we throw in waterways to disintegrate. That is why we launched this program with products that are cheap and environment-friendly,” she explained.
Refill Revolution, organized by the DENR-EMB in partnership with the San Fernando Cenro headed by Maria Regina Rodriguez, kicks off this year’s celebration of Environment Month in the city.
Also present during the event were Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, Councilors BJ Lagman and Reden Halili, Municipality of Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang, DENR 3 Assistant Regional Director Tirso Parian, Provincial ENRO Engr. Arthur Punzalan and Menro from municipalities of Mexico, Magalang and San Simon. (PR)