Plastic and more plastics

May 12, 2018 Ikit ng Bayan Opinion

May 1 is a memorable date to everyone – the moment that two places regulate the use and selling of plastic in Baguio City and the Municipality of La Trinidad and providing penalty to any violators – has a big impact to the adjustment of the public. Whereas, Chapter 1, section 3 of RA 7160 of the Local Government Code of 1991 states the responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction. In counting, it has been 13 days now that the two LGUs are implementing this ordinance.

Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan of the City Solid Waste Management Board promulgates the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of City Ordinance numbered 35, series of 2017 with its Task Force ensuring that the ordinance is strictly implemented, enforced and monitored.

Councilor Mylen Yaranon shared her opinion, “We shall really have to follow the proposed ordinance and strictly implement it. Those white sando plastics by OXO-Biodegradable of DOST needs an investigation first before the LGU will allow any establishment to use this as an alternative,” she said during an interview.

Meanwhile, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda said that “there has to be no exemption to those establishments who are still using plastic for their business. It is unfair to those who have done their part as a responsible citizen abiding with the law.” He said during a one on one interview.

Councilor Roderick Awingan who authored the said ordinance in the LT said, “Indeed we have seen that a lot of the stakeholders are very supportive of the proposed ordinance. And definitely there will be a challenge along the way like some establishments are actually asking for an exemption for the use of Biodegradable plastic bags. However, we seek the help of our constituents to really limit the use of plastic bags to lessen our garbage,” he said.

Example of disciplinary action and providing penalty is a must to show respect to a certain law. Mass information dissemination on negative impact on use of plastic is also a big factor for public to understand the prohibition on the use of plastic. Let’s give it a try iKit, inform your Dang-at as well that this change might actually be a big a step towards a betterment in our place, because we will never know if we never try. For in the Bible (KJV) Psalms 26:2 “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” Well just like whom will you vote tomorrow as your barangay officials? Beware of plastic people, wanting fame, money and power. This is yours truly, Tita Ara Katter of 98.7 FM ZRadio, 10am to 1pm, that always reminds you “Ti panagkaykaysa, mangiwanwan iti naranyag nga pagsayataan.”