Romblon town bans single-use plastic, Styrofoam packaging materials

Looc town in Romblon will ban single-use plastic at the public market as the local government promotes the use of eco-friendly baskets. (Photo courtesy of Looc Public Information Office)

CITY OF CALAPAN — The town of Looc in Romblon province will start to ban single-use plastic on Feb. 1 as it continues its information drive to raise awareness about the prohibition.

The Looc Information Office said the municipal council passed the ordinance on Oct. 7, 2022 during its 13th regular session. Councilor Jonathan Gaytano sponsored the ordinance.

The provincial board approved the ordinance in December last year, it added.

The law, citing the adverse effects of plastic and Styrofoam on the environment, aims to achieve a “healthy ecological balance,” noting that Loocnons would help mitigate, if not eradicate, the ill effects of global warming.

The ordinance said single-use plastic packaging materials clog waterways, cause flooding, and “those that reach bodies of water would suffocate, poison and struggle sea creatures and lead to their demise.”

The law requires all business establishments to use biodegradable, indigenous, and reusable containers or packaging materials.

Violators will be fined P1,500 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second, and P2,500 and/or imprisonment of not more than six months upon the court discretion and cancelation of their business permit for six months for the third offense. INQ

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