The implementation of the anti-plastic bags ordinance in Dumaguete City that started August 28 has, so far, been going on smoothly, City Environment and Natural Resources officer Rey Awayan said yesterday.

Awayan said compliance with the regulation has been impressive, and stallholders in the market, both in the wet and dry sections, have been cooperating.

The market is the focus of the monitoring because it is where the use of plastic bags had been extensive, he said.

Commercial establishments are also complying with the ordinance, except for some stores that insist they are using biodegradable plastic bags. He said the CENRO will look into this.

Under the ordinance, vendors selling wet goods and selected dry items, like cereals, are prohibited from providing another plastic packaging in addition to the primary plastic wrapper.

Violators will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 or six-month imprisonment or both on the discretion of the court, plus cancellation of the business permit for one year, for the third and successive offenses.*RA

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