CALBIGA, Samar — Effective July 1, 2024, the use of single-use plastics and styrofoam is no longer permitted in any part of Calbiga Town, following a public hearing conducted by the Municipal Local Government Unit attended by various sectors. This resulted in the decision to limit the use of plastic waste by banning and regulating its usage.
According to Analiza S. Basta, Municipal Environment Natural Resources Officer of the town, the provisions of Ordinance Number 05-20-16 will be enforced starting July 1, 2024. She explained that there will be a transition period until the end of June, during which Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays will be designated as “plastic holidays.”
This is aimed at gradually educating the public and vendors before the full implementation of the ordinance. Under the ordinance, single-use plastic bags are prohibited in establishments selling dry goods, bakery items, hardware, groceries, and sari-sari stores, as well as in tourism destinations in the town.
The use of plastic bags is allowed but regulated in fish and meat stalls, with the prohibition of extra plastic bags. Plastic usage is also regulated in products using it for packaging, such as local delicacies or commonly purchased items like cooking oil, soy sauce, vinegar, ice, ice candy, and others.
Basta emphasized that these products must be placed in paper bags or eco bags, depending on the store’s strategy. Councilor Macho Nacario mentioned that while the initiative may initially be inconvenient, it will eventually become a simple habit.
Penalties are imposed for those who do not comply with the ordinance, with the first offense carrying a fine of 300 pesos and counseling, the second offense with a fine of 500 pesos and a warning with the possible removal of the business license, and the third offense with a fine of 1000 pesos and the revocation of the business license of the violator. | With Rommel Rutor
