Anti-Plastik Pulis deployed around Las Pinas

Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel ‘Nene’ Aguilar today ordered the deployment of ‘Anti-Plastic Pulis’ to enforce the environmental protection ordinance banning the use of plastic bags for carry away foods and purchase items as it intensifies the city-wide clean-up drive for zero-waste goal of the city.

The ‘Anti-Plastik Pulis’ will be responsible for strict implementation of a city ordinance prohibiting the use of plastics and Styrofoam materials in packaging and handling of items and food products in all establishments, markets and sari-sari stores in the city. Residents are also enjoined to bring green bag when shopping, marketing and doing their groceries.

Stressing great concern for the environment, the mayor underscored the city’ cleanliness and environment protection program being top of his agenda having strengthened the clean and green campaign recently to cushion the impact of disasters in the wake of calamities to prevent loss of lives and properties.

”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.

Aguilar pointed out that the indiscriminate dumping of plastics and environment hazard materials in the surroundings and the eventual burning of similar materials emits pollution, deteriorates water quality and caused the shallowing of rivers and bays, posing serious threat to health and the ecosystem.

Barangay officials and volunteers were directed to conduct regular monitoring, clean-up and clearing activities on parks, markets and similar public places, waterways and creeks, as well as open spaces to ensure safety and protection of residents from possible flash floods and spread of diseases.

All environment protection committees in 20 barangays were also mobilized to link up with the city’s Environment and Sanitation Center (ESC) and the Clean and Green Council to intensify their clean-up operations and zero-waste campaign to minimize and eventually achieve zero-waste surroundings.

Households are also urged to heap on its waste segregation practices and encouraged to say “no” to the use of plastic bag and polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) in their purchases and food packaging from food/retail stores, talipapa or wet markets in compliance with the recently passed city ordinance.

To ensure compliance ‘anti-plastik pulis’ will be monitoring all commercial establishments, sari-sari (retail) stores, public markets and over 30 talipapa (wet markets) and prohibit plastic bags and Styrofoam products in packaging purchased items, except for some that would necessitate its use in limited quantity.

City Ordinance No. 1036-11 “An Ordinance Banning the Use and Distribution of Thin Film, Single Use, Carry Out, Plastic Bags and Polystyrene Foam (Styrofoam/Styropor) by Commercial Establishments in the City of Las Piñas and Prescribing Penalties thereof,” took effect January 2 this year.  (END)