Amendments for paper bag ordinance pushed

MANILA – The Baguio City Paper Bag Ordinance is long overdue. City Councilor Elaine Sembrano told Sun.Star Baguio she is already working on the ordinance amending portions of the Baguio City Paper Bag Ordinance of 2007 which promulgates the use of paper bags, buri bags and other biodegradable bagging containers in business establishments in the city for its immediate implementation. “Medyo late na tayo sa implementation niyan,” she stressed emphasizing the need for immediate approval and implementation of the ordinance. Business establishments in the commercial zone still utilize non-biodegradable plastic bags which are prohibited under provisions of the said ordinance.

She said the paper bag ordinance has not been fully enforced despite the mandated cut-off period on 2012.

Provided in the Section 8 of the ordinance states after its approval, the city government, through its City Treasurer’s Office and the Public Information Office “shall embark on an information campaign on the intents of the ordinance”.

Sembrano will make amendments on the provision which include inputs of the Mayor Mauricio Domogan during their executive legislative meeting Monday suggesting General Services Office to be the implementing and information arm of the ordinance with the coordination of City Environment and Parks Management Office.