The No to Single-Use Plastic Ordinance is still awaiting approval of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to begin its wider enforcement in Davao City, according to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) on Tuesday, January 10.
Rubylyn Baraquero, Information Education Campaign Unit of the Environment Waste Management Division of Cenro, said everything has been finalized but mayor Sebastian Duterte has yet to sign the proposed IRR.
"Mao na atong ginatutukan karon sa Davao City Solid Waste Management Board nga magawas na ang IRR para ma-start na pud ang pag conduct og inspection sa mga establishments (The Davao City Solid Waste Management Board is monitoring the IRR's approval closely because once it is out, it will allow them to inspect the establishments)," Baraquero said.
The exact date for the approval of the IRR was not determined but Baraquero said it's possible it may be signed within the year.
Because of this, Ordinance No. 0500-21 "No to Single-Use Plastics" has not yet been properly implemented, including in barangay units, even though the ordinance was already approved last May 2021 by former mayor Vice President Sara Duterte.
Barangay Sasa in particular said they have yet to enforce the ordinance in their jurisdiction.
"Naghulat mi sa IRR and nag hulat pud mi sa Cenro para at least kabalo pud mi sa procedure kung unsaon (We are waiting for the IRR as well as Cenro to instruct us on how we can implement this)," barangay captain Jerry Licarte said.
In the meantime, Baraquero said Cenro has started its information and education campaign on single-use plastics and solid waste management while some big and small establishments in the city like restaurants and fast food chains are slowly transitioning to biodegradable or reusable utensils.
These establishments are also required to apply and pay a fee of P10,000 to secure a special permit to legally sell, distribute, and use single-use plastics as part of their requirements for business registration.
"Isa sa mga requirements sa businesss permit is ang solid waste management certificate. Para makakuha sila ani, gina-conduct nato sila og orientation on single-use plastic and segregation sa ilang establishment (One of the requirements for the business permit is the solid waste management certificate. For the businesses to receive this, they will undergo an orientation on single-use plastic and segregation)," Baraquero said.
Under the ordinance, these single-use plastics are identified as plastic cups, sachets, plates, utensils, straws, "clamshell" food containers, coffee stirrers, and all non-microwavable plastics, along with plastic materials such as gloves, balloons, and balloon sticks. ICM
