Vendors cited for using single-use plastic

CEBU, Philippines — Three vendors at the Marigondon Fish Market were cited by Lapu-Lapu City’s Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) for violating the city’s ordinance regulating the use of single-use plastics during a market inspection conducted over the weekend.

The simultaneous inspection was carried out on July 25 as part of the city’s continuing enforcement of City Ordinance No. 16-182-2025, also known as the Single-Use Plastics Ordinance.

CENRO personnel issued citation tickets to the three vendors found using prohibited single-use plastic materials. The office reminded market vendors and other business establishments to comply with the ordinance to avoid administrative penalties.

Under Section 8 of the ordinance, small-scale businesses that commit a first offense may be fined between ?500 and ?1,000 and will receive a warning that their business permit may be suspended for future violations.

A second offense carries a fine ranging from ?2,000 to ?3,000 and a 15-day suspension of the establishment’s business permit.

Businesses found committing a third offense may be fined between ?4,000 and ?5,000 and may also face the indefinite closure of their business. A fourth offense may result in the permanent revocation of the business permit by the City Mayor’s Office.

CENRO said the inspection is part of its continuing efforts to ensure compliance with local environmental laws and reduce the use of disposable plastic products in public markets and other commercial establishments.

The office also continues to promote proper waste segregation, waste reduction, responsible consumption, and the implementation of a purok-based recycling system as part of the city’s broader environmental protection campaign.

Aside from enforcing the Single-Use Plastics Ordinance, CENRO reiterated its implementation of the Comprehensive Environmental and Sanitation Code and the 2019 Environment-Friendly Ordinance, which also prohibits the use of plastic drinking straws.

City officials said the sustained enforcement of these ordinances aims to encourage greater environmental responsibility among vendors and residents while helping protect public health and reduce plastic waste in Lapu-Lapu City. — (FREEMAN)