LESS than a day after taking office, newly sworn-in Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan issued her first executive directives.
These orders focus on environmental sustainability, specifically targeting single-use plastics and tarpaulin waste.
Chan assumed office on Monday, June 30, 2025, at noon.
Chan signed Memorandum No. 001-2025, “Measures to Minimize the Use of Single-Use Plastics in Local Government Unit (LGU) Activities,” urging all city government departments and offices to reduce their use of disposable plastic items in meetings, events, and daily operations.
This initiative follows efforts to recycle water bottles and single-use plastic, which largely accumulate in Lapu-Lapu's seawaters and drainage systems.
The order directs all city personnel and employees to bring and use reusable water bottles, food containers, and utensils.
Department and office heads must also use paper-based food containers and utensils for packed meals during LGU activities.
“Since local governments are given the gargantuan task of environmental protection, it is only proper that LGU employees spearhead efforts to minimize the use of single-use plastics,” the order states.
The Office of the City Administrator will also meet with food vendors operating at City Hall. This meeting aims to reduce plastic consumption and encourage vendors to avoid single-use plastic packaging.
Tarpaulins to be Recycled into Bags
Chan also signed Memorandum No. 003-2025, which mandates the recycling of tarpaulins by converting them into reusable bags.
This directive requires the removal of all promotional tarpaulins from public spaces. These include center islands, streetlights, electrical utility poles, skywalks, and the City Hall lobby. The General Service Office or Clean and Green Office must remove these materials within 30 days after posting.
All removed promotional tarpaulins from various city areas and City Hall will be turned over to the Manpower Development Office. They will then be repurposed into bags. (DPC)