Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria has signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the implementation of the Plastics Ordinance that seeks to regulate the use of plastics and styrofoam in public markets, grocery stores and restaurants in the city.

The approval of the ordinance on August 10, 2011, is part of the effort of the city government to solve the ecological imbalance in the city’s waterways, drainage canals, rivers and creeks.

Sagarbarri said he supports the implementation of the ordinance because it will help reduce the volume of plastic that clog in drainage canals and contribute to heavy flooding, even during moderate rain.

City Administrator William Ablong stressed the importance of comprehensive and massive information and education campaign before the ordinance is fully implemented.

Part of the IEC is the promotion of the use of alternative packaging materials such as “bayong” or “baluyot, ” or native bags made of abaca and pandan leaves.

Other reusable and biodegradable packaging are also encouraged like those made of the tetra pack juices that are stitched into grocery bags.

Section 6 of the ordinance also prohibits the use of Styrofoam, especially for take-out foods from restaurants.

Saint Paul University Dumaguete has been awarded for prohibiting entry of food deliveries in polystyrene containers. The effort has encouraged the restaurants to use cardboard and recyclable materials for their deliveries.*MA

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