By Leilanie Adriano/PNA
LAOAG CITY — Ilocos Norte’s anti-littering ordinance was finally approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday charging violators with stiffer penalties.
The Movement Against Plastic Pollution (MAPP), a group of young environmentalists in the province, has lauded the main sponsor, Senior Provincial Board member Matthew Manotoc, for pushing the ordinance meant to observe proper waste management in the province, city, municipal, and village levels.
“We thank Sir Matthew for the passage of the ordinance, which includes the banning of the releasing of balloons and sky lanterns,” MAPP said on its official Facebook page on Monday.
With the passage of Ordinance No. 2018-07-051, Manotoc urged concerned government authorities “to intensify the campaign on proper waste disposal to prevent ecological and environmental degradation and instill discipline, social responsibility, and awareness for the environment.”
Under the approved ordinance, the throwing, littering and disposal of garbage or waste matter in public places and other areas not duly designated as disposal sites shall be fined between PHP500 and PHP1,500, in addition to rendering community service.
At the village levels, concerned local authorities are also encouraged to have their own materials recovery facility where villagers put their garbage ready for pick up by garbage collectors.
The ordinance shall apply to all residents, transients, commercial establishments, and all areas within the territorial jurisdiction of Ilocos Norte.
As stated in the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the “Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the newly-formed Provincial Solid Waste Management Board — composed of the governor, all city and municipal mayors, council’s committee on environment, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Health, Engineering, and others — shall help implement the ordinance.
