INQUIRER.net
CITY OF CALAPAN — An environmental activist has called out the local government of Banton in Romblon province for planning to release on Wednesday 400 balloons at the town’s 400th year founding anniversary and fiesta celebration opening salvo.
The local government of Banton posted on Tuesday, August 30, on its Facebook page its schedule of activities for August 31, which includes the ceremonial flying of balloons at 6 p.m.
“This is unsustainable and may violate Republic Act 9003 (RA 9003) or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The budget for balloons, even for fireworks, may be used to plant and grow trees, especially mangroves; or the preservation of cultural heritage sites,” said Rodne Rodiño Galicha on his Facebook page, calling on the Banton LGU “to exclude the ceremonial flying of balloons.”
Galicha, who is from Romblon, is a 2018 Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee for environment and climate education.
The LGU has apparently considered Galicha’s post.
Garry Fano, Banton environment and natural resources officer, said in a phone interview Wednesday that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources provincial office told him that the activity would violate anti-littering laws and affect sea mammals.
“I talked with Vice Mayor (Loijorge Fegalan), and I advised him not to use helium but just ordinary air. I also advised the mayor’s staff to release [the balloons] to an elevated place, then we will retrieve and dispose. The balloons to be released will be cut down to 100 from 400,” said Fano.
After use, the balloons will be shred then mixed with crushed plastic bottles and cement to be turned into hollow blocks that can be used for infrastructure projects.
“But it will all depend on Mayor (Milagros Faderanga),” said Fano, adding that they would meet to finalize decisions on Wednesday.
Galicha said the Mimaropa Development Council had adopted a resolution years ago enjoining stakeholders to ban plastic wastes and the release of sky lanterns and balloons that end up in the sea, which harm marine animals through ingestion or entanglement.
The policy is based on Republic Act No. 9003, which requires the state to “adopt a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management program.”
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