Tags: General News, Legislation
By Alexander Villafania
MASBATE CITY, MASBATE – Adhering to the guidelines of the Solid Waste Management Act, Masbate City will be implementing a ban on the use of plastic bags and other non-biodegradable materials starting November 4.
The use of plastic bags aims to gradually reduce its need for consumer-related activities such as shopping and groceries. Many of these plastic bags end up in landfills or are disposed improperly, leading to clogging in waterways during heavy rains.
In a statement, Masbate City Mayor Socrates Tuason said the implementation of the “No Plastic” policy would be gradual, starting with stall owners or tiangge, to allow time for Masbate City residents and merchants to adjust to the new policy.
Shoppers, meanwhile, can use paper bags and are also encouraged to carry reusable cloth bags for their purchases. However, plastic bags can still be used for purchasing food items from wet markets.
By 2013, the total ban on plastic bags is expected to be realized.
Mayo Tuason reiterated that plastics have to be reduced so as to protect Masbate’s marine environment. He stressed that plastic bags are among the most visible items being collected during coastal clean ups.
Several municipalities have already implemented similar measures against the use of plastic bags. These include Lucban in Quezon province, Nueva Ecija, Batangas City, and Muntinlupa City.
Groups like the EcoWaste Coalition have been pushing for a total ban on plastic bags in local government units or LGUs. Senator Loren Legarda also filed Senate Bill 2759 or the Total Plastic Bag Ban, which pushes for the prohibition of plastic bags in commercial establishment.
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