CALL FOR A TOTAL BAN:

To address the problem of garbage in the city, a plan to prohibit the use of single-use plastics every day in Cebu City has been endorsed to the City Council.

Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Ma. Nida Cabrera said the Cebu City Solid Waste Management Board has endorsed the proposed ordinance banning the use of single-use plastics to the Council for deliberation and approval.

“Mayor Tomas Osmeña really requested that because of our problem with clogged drainage,” she said.

Under the proposed ordinance to be sponsored by Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr., all residents, business firms, and public and private offices will not be allowed to use identified single-use plastic such as thin-film plastic bags, sando bags, drinking straws, stirrers, cups, plates, spoons, forks, as well as styrofoam as food packaging material. Selling of these single-use plastics will not be allowed.

All covered establishments are directed to use the items that are made of paper, wood, plantbased products, and other non-plastic materials.

The penalty would be a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of one to 30 days or both. The permits of business firms that violate the ordinance may be revoked.

Cabrera said the measure will amend the existing ordinance that regulates the use of shopping bags in the City on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Since Aug. 1, 2018, the City Government has disallowed single-use plastics in City Hall. /

PHOTO BY ALLAN CUIZON The existing plastic ban in Cebu City is implemented every Wednesday and Saturday and only covers shopping bags. If a proposed measure is approved, the ban will cover all single-use plastics .