TO INTENSIFY its campaign in maintaining cleanliness in all areas in Clark Freeport, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) will be imposing fines upon anyone who will be caught littering in the Freeport.
In a memorandum circular issued by the state-owned firm last July 21, 2021, all Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) locators, residents, workers, visitors, non-government organizations, and government agencies were encouraged to cooperate in maintaining the cleanliness and order of the Freeport's surroundings.
According to CDC President and CEO Manuel Gaerlan, all stakeholders shall be responsible for keeping the Freeport's environment clean and green.
Disregarding CDC’s call for action will be dealt with a fine depending on the magnitude of the offense.
A fine of P1,000 will be charged to any violator. The same amount will also be imposed upon anyone or any firm with poor housekeeping.
Meanwhile, improper handling of waste would result in a P5,000 fine, while improper management of hazardous waste will result in a P50,000 penalty.
The disposal of Single Used Plastics (SUPs) will also be fined accordingly, with penalties including P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense, P20,000 for the third offense, and the revocation of business permit exceeding the third offense.
Pursuant to the Clean Water Act or Republic Act (RA) 9275, the discharge of wastewater into the environment will also be fined ranging from P10,000 to P200,000 per day.
Aside from this, stray and domesticated animals seen roaming around the Freeport will be impounded and confiscated.
To ensure the compliance of the above-mentioned, some CDC teams will be dispatched to conduct their respective inspection to check areas of concern.
The said teams are CDC's Environmental Permits Division (EPD), Property Management Division (PMD), Building and Facilities Permits Division (BFPD), and the Building and Facilities Management Division (BFMD).
CDC will immediately call the attention of a locator by sending a notice via email or phone if found practicing any of the said offenses. The state-run corporation will allow a three to five-day period of compliance to give ample time for the locator’s response.
Through the issuance of the said memorandum, CDC reiterated that “the maintenance of cleanliness of industrial, commercial, and residential areas become the responsibility of the lessee once a signed lease is executed”. However, lessees can request assistance from CDC-EPD in securing ground maintenance such as grass cutting, landscaping, and other yard works. (PR)