CDO begins info dissemination on plastic regulation for 2019

FILE: REGULATIONS ON PLASTIC USE. A vendor uses a plastic bag in storing chicken meat bought by a costumers. Plastics such as this are no longer allowed to be used as per city ordinance effictive January 1. (Photo by Nef Luczon via PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Four months ahead of its implementation on Jan. 1, 2019, the city government here has begun distributing notices to the city’s business establishments, sellers and consumers regarding the regulation on the use of plastic bags.

The notice, dated Aug. 15 and signed by Mayor Oscar Moreno, will also be distributed to micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The regulation is in accordance with Article IX, Section 30 of City Ordinance No. 13378-2018 or the “Integrated Ecobiological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro City”.

The notice says no business establishment will use plastic “sando” bags and other forms as packaging material for dry goods or cooked food.

However, there are still other forms of plastic that will be allowed by the local government.

“Plastic bags with no handles shall be allowed for wrapping of unpacked meat and poultry products, marine products, fresh fruits, and vegetables of supermarkets and markets to ensure food safety,” part of the guidelines read.

The city government will also allow plastics that are “recyclable and reusable” as alternative packaging material.

However, products that have already been pre-packaged in plastic should no longer be put in plastic bags to avoid redundancy of packaging.

Business establishments are likewise to promote “Bring Your Own Bag”, as well as formulate a reward system for consumers who follow the new ordinance.