DAVAO CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao de Oro passed Wednesday an ordinance banning the use of single-use plastics.
Ordinance No. 61-2020 seeks to regulate the use of "single-use plastic products, expanded polystyrene, styrofoam, and other similar materials in all government offices, agencies and instrumentalities in the province of Davao de Oro and providing penalties for violation thereof.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the Davao de Oro provincial government said the prohibition of the use of plastics also covers the use of expanded polystyrene, styrofoam products during meetings, hearings, seminars, and other government activities.
Employees are also mandated to practice environment-friendly practices such as "BYOB" (Bring Your Own Baonan), "BYOT"(Bring Your Own Tumbler), and "BOB" (Bring your Own Eco-bag) as part of the measures to reduce plastic wastes in government premises.
Employees and food suppliers or caterers violating the ordinance will be given a warning and will attend the Green Alternative Orientation Seminar as a first offense penalty, the ordinance says.
“For the second offense, food suppliers/caterers will be fined amounting to PHP3,000 and PHP5,000 for the subsequent offense and subject the same to be blacklisted from conducting business in any government office/agency in the province,” the provincial government said.
However, the ordinance gives exemptions to the use of medical equipment utilized by the provinces' hospitals, laboratory, and analysis services and front-liners such as gloves, plastic vials, sample bags, intravenous fluids or IV drips, plastic syringes and the like, which follow the protocol and standards under the World Health Organization and the Department of Health. (PNA)
