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No container, no selling urged
THE INCLUSION of a 'no plastic container, no selling' pork, poultry and fish is being sought in the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of 'No Plastic and Styrofoam' ordinance of the city.
City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Cordillera Lacsamana said there were many suggestions given by the representatives present during the solutions forum and write shop who were invited to help craft the IRR for City Ordinance 35-17.
"That was a very practical solution that came from the audience during the solutions forum and it was evident that it is doable. We hope that they would be our partners in advocating the use of plastic containers for wet products instead of plastic bags when buying in the market," Lacsamana said.
Baguio Regreening Movement chairman Atty. Erdolfo Balajadia suggested the strengthening of the implementation of the ordinance.
"I think proper implementation is needed because the people need to be conscientious. If they would go to the market, they could not avail of fish, poultry and other wet products due to the unavailability of plastic bags. They will now be forced to bring their own plastic containers which we should encourage and make it a habit for market goers," Balajadia encouraged.
Councilor Mylen Yaranon explained although processed meat, dressed chicken and alike are not included under the ordinance because of national law on branding regulations for primary packing, fresh fish and poultry products bought in the market should still be placed in plastic containers.
"What can be included in the IRR is for market goers to buy their own plastic containers just like buying eco bags instead of sando bags. This will even give additional income to market vendors when market goers not having plastic containers will now be forced to buy their own plastic containers," Yaranon explained.
Under the ordinance, a three month transition period in the use of eco bags instead of plastic sando bags and styrofoam starting this May until July will be given to the residents of Baguio before its full implementation in August.
Ordinance No. 35-17 prohibits business establishments from providing any 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 and will cover all business activities and establishments in the city including city government schools and offices.