KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews / 3 Sept) – A city councilor here is proposing a ban in using plastic cellophane as carry-out bags at department and sari-sari stores and grocery centers.
Ruby Padilla-Sison, chairperson of the Committee on Environment of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, will lead the public hearing on September 12 to listen to what the public would say about her proposal.
Sison authored the proposed Ordinance Number 19-039 (“An ordinance prohibiting the use of plastic as carry-out bags on dry goods; regulating its use on wet goods; and prohibiting the use of soft drink straw and Styrofoam in the city of Kidapawan”).
Councilor Marites Baquero-Malaluan, who chairs the Committee on Health, Sanitation, and Public Welfare, will join the public hearing.
Based on the proposal, all business establishments, fast food outlets, market vendors, food kiosks, sari-sari stores, and ambulant vendors are prohibited from using plastic cellophanes and “sando” bags as packaging materials for items bought by their customers.
These establishments, based on the proposed ordinance, are mandated to use any alternative “legally compliant” packaging materials.
The proposal stressed the use of recyclable, reusable and biodegradable carry-out bags like the traditional “bayong” or wooden bags, cloth bags, rattan baskets, shopping bags made from recycled waste paper and other biodegradable materials.
Meantime, the proposal also prohibits use of Styrofoam packs and straw on soft drinks, especially in food chain stores, food kiosks, restaurants, carenderia, and other food outlets.
Furthermore, selling of plastic cellophanes to be used either as primary or secondary packaging materials would not be allowed in the city once the proposed ordinance becomes a law.
Violators would be fined P500 for first offense, P1,000 for second offense, and P3,000 for third offense. (Malu Cadelina Manar / MindaNews)