Talisay implements anti-plastic bag law

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government has started to implement the Anti-Plastic Bag Ordinance in shopping centers, public markets, including small convenience stores.

“Dugay na ni nga ordinance pero wap-a na-implement. Last month, nagpagawas og executive order si mayor to finally implement it,” city administrator John Eyre delos Reyes said.

Delos Reyes, however, said not all business establishments comply with the law, having asked for time to use up all their plastic bags.

“Naa sa’y gipang-consider si mayor kay ang uban gud daghan pa’g napalit nga plastic,” he said.

He said by next year the enforcement of this law will be in “full blast” and those who fail to obey will be sanctioned.

If there are still a few who oppose the use of paper bags, opining that paper easily give in to soggy goods such as fish and pork, many residents, on the contrary, welcome the change.

One Facebook subscriber who knows for a fact that a shopping mart near her place defies the ordinance said she would avoid the mart until it conforms with the law.

Another city resident said she wants to see the day when everybody in the city would play the game considering that big cities in the entire country do the accepted thing.

“It’s about time Talisay City does its share in protecting the environment,” the resident said.

The Anti-Plastic Bag Ordinance, authored by then Councilor Rodi Cabigas, was approved by the previous city council in February 2011.

It was meant to minimize, if not eradicate, the use of plastic being one of the major causes of flooding in the city.  (FREEMAN)