By Freddie Lazaro LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — A grandson of late President Ferdinand E. Marcos wants a “plastic-free Ilocos Norte” to preserve the pristine environment of the province. “Our province turned 200 years old this year. In this new century, let us turn over a new, greener leaf,” urged Ilocos Norte’s Senior Board Member (SBM) Matthew Marcos Manotoc as he spoke at the 31st Founding Anniversary Culmination Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, Laoag City recently. The program last July 6 featured the theme, “Beat the Plastic Pollution: If You Can’t Reuse It, Refuse It!” Addressing the audience of DENR officials and staff, Manotoc admitted his growing awareness of plastic pollution, saying, “It made me realize: I can’t stand up here and tell you to stop using plastic if I myself use it. “I am very grateful to the DENR for reminding us because we are already seeing the damage of single-use plastic,” he added. Thus, SBM Manotoc proposed solutions for minimizing plastic pollution, particularly through buying locally made bamboo straws, which would also be a way to support Ilocano entrepreneurs. He further stated his commitment to a “plastic-free” Ilocos Norte through proposing a provincial anti-plastic ordinance.