LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The disposal of “moma” spittle, a byproduct of betel nut, lime or tobacco chewing, will be regulated in the town of Kabayan in order to avoid indiscriminate spitting in public places.
Kabayan officials passed Ordinance 55-13, regulating the disposal of “moma” spittle or “moma” refuse that provides penalties for violators.
As defined, “moma” refers to the collective mixture of betel nut, “gawed” or piper betel leaf, lime, tobacco, and other ingredients for the purpose of chewing said mixture, and when blended and chewed, the mixture produces reddish spittle.
The measure requires any individual chewing moma whether occasionally or regularly, to properly dispose of “moma” refuse or spittle.
It requires one to bring along a spittoon, a handy receptacle or container, for spitting the refuse and to be eventually emptied in appropriate place.
If found indiscriminately spitting in public places, a violator will be meted out with penalties ranging from P1,000 for the first offense to P2,500 for third offense of imprisonment of six months at the discretion of the court.
Once popular only to the Ifugaos, betel nut chewing has quickly spread to other areas in the Cordillera.
Accordingly, betel nut chewing among the elderly is believed to ward-off hunger and exhaustion. Others claim it produces a sense of well-being and heightened sensation. (Susan Aro)