SIPALAY City Mayor Oscar Montilla Jr. has banned the use of plastic in the city's government offices in its bid to become the cleanest and greenest locality in Western Visayas.
The mayor, stressing on the City Government's role to protect the environment and promote sustainable development, signed Memorandum Order No. 86 on Monday, September 3, declaring a policy regulating the use of plastics and polystyrene products in all government offices and in all activities conducted therein.
Single-use plastics, like thin-film plastics, sando bags, straws, stirrers, cups, plates, cutlery, spoons and forks, styrofoams, and soft drinks in plastic bottles, are strictly banned in all government offices, according to the order.
The memorandum also stressed that food vendors are no longer allowed to use single-use plastics as food containers or packaging material for dine in or take out food.
Food caterers are also required to utilize their own plates, utensils, drinking glasses, and reusable food containers.
The canteen shall no longer use plastic or polystyrene cups, therefore, customers and employees are required to bring their own mugs and container bottles, the memorandum said.
It also said that every office is required to segregate their wastes in color-coded containers.
Department heads, organizers, coordinators, and officers-in-charge, who will conduct activities, are advised to strictly comply with the mayor's order.
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) was urged to monitor and report compliance while the Human Resource Management Office was tasked to formulate measures on erring employees and institute incentive system to encourage colleagues to observe and practice solid waste management.
The memorandum also stated that Business Permits and Licensing Office will cancel or revoke business permits violating the order. (PR)