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| The waste issue is a global problem as shown here in a photo of a dump site that can be found everywhere in the world. (File photo) |
By Dominic B. dela Cruz (Staff Reporter)
Laoag City—In a
concerted effort and continuing action of a global scale to address the
negative impact of the excessive use and disposal of hazardous wastes, the city
government here has reiterated the ban on the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam
packaging.
City environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) Mylene
Isabel Pascual said the use of said packaging has resulted in environmental
degradation, flooding, problems on sanitation and worst of all, climate change.
The local government units (LGUs) “has a sublime responsibility
must have to protect the constituency from the harmful or even fatal effects as
ill results of disregarding the environment and therefore must support this
move to save Mother Earth from total degradation”.
Citing Article II Section 6 of the Philippine Constitution, it provides
that “The state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced
and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature and
Section 3 (i) of R.A.7160 provides that “the Local Government Units shall share
with the national government the responsibility in the management and
maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction”.
Pascual said that scientific research claims that plastic items
such as plastic sando bags and items made of Styrofoam contain toxic chemicals
that poses danger to humans by affecting the various systems and senses of the
human body and that it can even lead to fatal results, and are harmful to the
environment.
Reports also show that there is an unlimited, uncontrolled use and
improper disposal of plastic bags, other plastic containers, other plastic
items and Styrofoam believed to be containing toxic chemicals and components
such as biocides and plasticizers (lead, cadmium and mercury, diethylhexyl phthalate
that are hazardous to health—in the case of plastics; polystyrene—in the case
of Styrofoam, both non- biodegradable) and cause a negative environmental
impact.
Likewise, materials made of plastic like plastic sando bags and
plastic bottles and Styrofoam are either intentionally or unintentionally
strewn everywhere or anywhere and are clogging the canals and drainage system
thereby causing the flooding of streets in the city.
Relative to this, environment-friendly green bags that are
available for sale or given free, in some instances, in department stores and
other outlets are suitable alternatives to carry out plastic bags and paper
bags are likewise highly recommended to be used in wrapping or for carrying out
dry goods as alternative solution. Bringing their respective “bayong” is also
highly recommended.
However, when the situation demands or when a buyer buys
merchandise such as fresh meat, fresh fish and other wet or frozen merchandise,
biodegradable plastic bags are allowed.
Pascual said that all law enforcement instrumentalities that are
under the scope of authority of the local chief executive such as the members
of the Philippine National Police, BPSOs (barangay tanods), and all deputized
members of the Oplan Dalus Task Force will implement the ban.
Any business establishment who violates the ban face penalties of
fines of PHP3,000 and stern warning for the first offense; PHP4,000 and
issuance of a closure order for a period of three months for the second offense;
and PHP5,000 and cancellation of the permit to operate business in the city of
Laoag for the third offense.
While in the case of individuals,
they face fines of PHP500 for the first offense; PHP1,000 and stern
warning for the second offense; and PHP3,000 and/or imprisonment of not more
than six months, or both, depending upon the discretion of the courts for the
third offense.
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