Baguio government bans use of plastics, sets fines

By Sohee Kim

BAGUIO CITY -- Illegal use of plastics will now be penalized to ensure compliance to the city's anti-plastic ordinance.

Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan has created a task force to implement "The Plastic and Styrofoam-Free Baguio Ordinance". 

"There is an urgency to regulate, the distribution, sale and use of plastic shopping bags and styrofoam and provide penalties because of the uncontrollable use of plastic shopping bags and styrofoam as packaging and food vessels in the city despite serious efforts of the city to segregate compostables from recyclables waste material, plastics and styrofoam still dominate the waste streams which eventually become residuals, a health hazard to all living species and organisms," Domogan said. 

The ordinance prohibits business establishments from providing customer any plastic bag or polystyrene foam container for goods or items purchased or serving food or drink, take out or dine in to customers in polystyrene containers or in plastic bags. 

Sembrano, who heads the committee on environment, said, "Dapat talaga immediate implementation kasi ang tagal na rin tayong naghintay. And sana di lang mga city officials pati mga constituents natin magtulong-tulong para mapakita ang pagmamahal sa ating city at sa kalikasan."

The task force will be headed by the City Environment and Parks Management Office chaired by the General Services Office, with members from the barangay, treasurer's office and the permits and licensing office, as well as the Public Order and Safety Division with the function to enforce the anti-plastic ordinance and lead in the information and education campaign.

The task force can also confiscate prohibited plastic bags. Styrofoams will be turned over to the POSD, while community enforcers are identified to be village chiefs and officers.

Penalties for violation include reprimand or immediate closure for establishments without business permit for first offense; P1,000 fine for second offense; P3,000 fine and eight hours community service for third offense; and P5,000 fine and suspension of business permit for six months for fourth offense.

Penalties for violation of any of the provision by heads of the City Government offices, school administrators, principals and concerned persons in authority will be subject to Republic Act 6713 and other local orders and issuances.