TACLOBAN CITY -- The local government unit of Pinabacdao, Samar has issued an executive order banning the use of plastic in government-sponsored activities.
The directive states that “the municipality of Pinabacdao is serious and puts its best foot forward to enforce Republic Act (RA) No. 9003 and to properly and strictly manage its solid waste. It is putting serious efforts to clean the entire stretch of the town from end to end of barangays (villages) from its upland and forests to the coasts.”
RA 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, promotes and encourages the practice of waste avoidance, reduction, reuse, and recycle.
Mayor Teodorico Mabag signed the executive order last January 7, banning the use of plastic in government institutions and offices within the town.
“Right now, we are starting in small-scale for us to easily manage it,” Ernilo Gabumpa, municipal planning and development officer, said in an interview Tuesday.
Caterers and organizers of government-sponsored events are prohibited from using plastic, disposable cups and plates, lunch boxes, bowls, utensils that are made of plastic materials, including styrofor.
Instead, they are encouraged to use reusable materials, such as washable plates and cups, ceramics and stainless steel plates and cups.
In place of plastic bottles, plastic packed or canned drinks, organizers are told to use jugs, dispensers or pitchers for serving drinks.
The directive also asked caterers to serve fruit or vegetable juices or potable drinking water instead of carbonated drinks.
The local government plans to institutionalize the order through a local ordinance, that would also impose a total ban on the use of plastic in public market and stores.
“When we notice that the people are able to adjust with the directive, that's the time that we'll push for an ordinance, which will cover activities being organized by private individuals,” Gabumpa said.
Pinabacdao, a fourth-class town in Samar province with a population of more than 18,000, is 47 km. north of Tacloban, the regional capital. (PNA)
