GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The local government has granted the request of business leaders here to extend or delay further the full implementation of the Plastic Bags and Styrofoam Use Ordinance.
The local law bans the use of plastic bags and styrofoam package containers by city business establishments.
In line with the request approval, the city government has also allowed the continued use of biodegradable plastics in stores and malls before resorting to use of paper bags.
Mayor Ronnel Rivera on Tuesday has issued the implementing rules and regulations for the extension of the plastic bags and styrofoam use ordinance.
The city government has started implementing the ordinance in January this year but traders and store owners have asked to delay its implementation.
On the other hand, many storeowners have started complying with the ordinance to avoid being penalized by the city government.
But mall owners and other dry goods stores continued to use plastics in serving its clients pending appeal at the city mayor’s office.
“The mayor has allowed the extension but it was unclear until when,” a staff member of the city mayor’s office said.
In an interview, Rivera confirmed the latest appeal of business leaders in the city. The mayor said business leaders told him they still have stocks of biodegradable plastic bags and sought extension until the stocks were all used.
“But for those who have no more inventory of plastic bags should comply with the ordinance,” he told reporters here.
In approving the request of traders, the mayor has deputized personnel to conduct inventory of plastic bags in malls and big stores.
“Once all these inventory of plastic bags in malls (were used), then we will fully implement the ordinance to the letter,” Rivera said.
The city government is continuing its citywide information and awareness campaign to increase awareness and compliance to the local law by all citizens.
Alfredo Garcia, a resident of Lagao this city, said he regularly brings his eco-bag every time he goes to the market since buying one every marketing day would be expensive.
“I bought one and continue to use it to date,” Garcia said.
Salvacion Canaway, a roadside eatery owner who regularly goes to the city market to buy stuffs for her food business, said she had plenty of eco-bags acquired for the purpose.
“I am uncertain if marketgoers carrying goods in plastics are to be penalized or not, I am just making sure I avoid penalties,” Canaway said.
The ordinance, approved last year, prohibits retail establishments from providing plastic carryout bags to their customers at the point of sale to transport items.
Reusable bags, recyclable paper bags and compostable or biodegradable bags, including biodegradable plastic bags, are allowed alternatives.
Any individual or business establishment found violating any of the prohibited acts will be fined amounting to P5, 000 and or revocation of business permit to operate and/ or one year imprisonment at the discretion of the court. (PNA)
