By Jonas Reyes
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - An anti-littering task force was formed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Wednesday to strictly implement the no-littering policy in this premier Freeport.
SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma said the agency started enforcing a policy that prohibits littering, and dumping or disposing of garbage, rubbish or any kind of waste in parks, roads, beachfronts, forests, rivers, streams or on any open or public place within Subic Bay Freeport.
It is also illegal under the policy for anybody to urinate, defecate, dispose of cigarette butts, or spit in public places.
To ensure the effective implementation of the no-littering policy, the SBMA chief issued an order creating the SBMA Anti-Littering Task Force, which is manned by marshals from the SBMA Ecology Center, Law Enforcement Department, Maintenance and Transportation Department, and Tourism Department.
Eisma said these personnel are deputized to apprehend violators and recommend issuance of Notice of Violation (NoV) to any Subic Bay Freeport Zone establishment caught violating the policy.
She also said the agency will impose a fine of P1,500 and four hours of community service for individual offenders.
A stiffer penalty will be imposed on business establishments.
P50,000 per day of violation will be assessed for each count of littering, improper or untimely stacking of garbage outside the establishment, and for leaking garbage with foul smell.
Eisma urged the public to help in enforcement and report incidents of littering, including the license plate number of violators, to the Law Enforcement Department at 911 (landline) or 9111 (mobile) or to the “No Kalat” hotline at 09176852528.
The no-littering policy took off from SBMA’s war on waste (WOW) program, as well as the agency’s thrust to enhance public awareness on environmental care and concern.