Las Piñas follows neighbor in enforcing ban on plastics

MANILA, Philippines—Taking a leaf from the successful policy of neighboring Muntinlupa last year, the Las Piñas city government has deployed environment monitors to enforce its ban on plastics and polystyrene packaging, hoping to reduce if not stamp out nonbiodegradable wastes there.

In a statement issued on Friday, Mayor Vergel Aguilar said the “Anti-Plastik Pulis” would be making rounds in community stores, markets and business establishments to ensure that bags made of plastic or polystyrene containers like Styrofoam are not used as packaging materials for goods.

“We must take definite and bolder steps now starting with no-plastic policy in all markets, retail stores and in the households to minimize non-biodegradable wastes in order to save and protect the environment,” Aguilar said.

The mayor blamed the indiscriminate dumping of plastics in the city as among the causes that contribute to the decline of water quality at Las Piñas and Zapote Rivers.

While the waterways have been undergoing rehabilitation through the project of Aguilar’s sister, former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar, the official pointed out that some residents continue to throw their waste along the rivers.

Making environment protection among his top priorities this year, Aguilar instructed barangay officials to organize teams within their jurisdictions to conduct regular monitoring, clean-up and clearing activities on parks, markets and similar public places.

Aside from public places, the mayor similarly directed the barangays to monitor waterways and creeks, and open spaces as well to ensure the well-being of residents and spare them from potential flash floods and spread of disease.

Barangay environment committees, the lead agency Aguilar tapped to carry out his directives, were asked to coordinate with the local government’s environment and sanitation center and the Clean and Green Council.

Aguilar appealed to households in the city to maintain their waste segregation practices and refrain from using packaging materials made from plastic and polystyrene.

Last year, the city council passed Ordinance No. 1036-11, which banned the use of plastic bags and polystyrene packs in all commercial establishments doing business in Las Piñas. The ban took effect on Jan. 2.

In 2010, the local government of Muntinlupa initiated the ban after heavy rains brought about by Tropical Storm “Ondoy” brought about one of the worst flooding the city experienced.