Tagaytay Bans Plastics, Styro Packs

TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite, Philippines - All citizens will have to bring their eco-friendly bags or carriers whenever they shop or buy anything in any business establishment in Tagaytay City.

The establishments too will have to stop the use and sale of non-biodegradable plastics and/or "styrophor" or "Styrofoam" as containers for food, drinks or any business produce or products.

This move will be strictly observed after Mayor Abraham N. Tolentino and the 13-member Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Council) led by Vice Mayor Celso P. De Castro approved City Ordinance 2011-025 or the decree banning the use of plastic bags on dry goods and "styrophor/styrofoam" and regulating the plastic utilization on wet goods.

The ordinance was authored by City Councilors Fredlander V. Bay, Esteban M. Mendoza and Doroteo N. Marasigan Jr.

The ordinance will be enforced in the whole of Tagaytay area, particularly in establishments, including public markets, as well as with stakeholders which produce, use, buy, sell and dispose plastics and "styrphors"

The ban also included the use of plastic flaglets, "banderistas" or the likes during fiestas or any other occasions in the city barangays (villages).

The decree, which was enacted last December 12, will take effect after all concerned have been notified of its provisions or implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within six months.

This means that the business establishments and citizens are given a six-month moratorium to comply with the IRR for the meantime. The authorities will go all-out with the enforcement of the decree in June of this year.