BATANES – The province of Batanes welcomed the new year with the implementation of a local ordinance banning single-use plastics in a bid to protect and preserve its environment and tourist spots against pollution.
Under Provincial Ordinance No. 302, series of 2020, that was introduced by Board Member Ferdinand Elica, the provincial government will start regulating the use of plastics in the islands.
It will prohibit the entry, sale, and use of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles below 500mL, food cling wrappers, non-biodegradable plastic and garbage bags, plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, cups, and Styrofoam for food packaging.
Moreover, it will limit the entry for sale and use of single-use plastics including PET bottles with content of 500mL and above, manufactured and DOST (Department of Science and Technology)-labelled "biodegradable" plastic bags for wet products, plastic pouch for the packaging of ice, ice candies, yellow ginger, sugar, salt, pepper and other ground local condiments and local bread and pastry products, biodegradable garbage bags, Styrofoam containers for cold storage, pre-packed manufactured juices with stirrers, labo plastic wrappers, and other plastic pre-packed food items.
The "Bring Your Own Bag" policy for shoppers will also be prescribed in the province.
The ordinance was signed last July 16, 2020 by Batanes Governor Marilou H. Cayco, and was implemented first day of 2021.