Bacolod starts implementing plastics regulation law

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines  — The city government of Bacolod has started implementing since yesterday (Nov. 23) City Ordinance No. 562 (Plastic Ordinance) that regulates the use of plastic bags here.

Councilor Em Ang, author of the measure, said the ordinance “prohibits the use and sale of plastic bags as packaging materials in Bacolod City.”

All business establishments such as malls, supermarkets, public markets, satellite markets, market stall, restaurants including the mobile, transient and ambulant vendors are covered by this ordinance.

The law also prohibits the use of non-biodegradable sando bags, she said.

The ordinance states that plastic bags—being non-biodegradable— can clog canals, creeks and other waterways, and cause floods during the rainy season.

“We need to minimize plastic wastes because they are harmful to the environment and to our health,” she said.

To avoid using plastic bags, Ang encouraged the public to bring reusable bags made of environment-friendly materials when going to the market.  (FREEMAN)