CEBU, Philippines – The proposed plastic ban ordinance of Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella has gained support from the Department of Trade and Industry and environmental groups during yesterday’s public hearing.
DTI has asked the city to support the mass production of ‘bayong’ or woven handbag as alternative to plastics.
The proposed ordinance of Labella seeks to ban the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, plates and cups to reduce the garbage generated by the city and to eliminate this kind of garbage that usually clogs the waterways.
A fine of P5,000 and an imprisonment of six months shall be imposed to violators.
Yesterday’s public hearing was attended by the DTI, environmentalists and some establishments operating in the city.
DTI expressed no opposition to the ordinance while admitting that due to plastics thrown into the rivers, creeks and other waterways, Cebu is easily flooded every time it rains even within few minutes.
DTI said that it is time for the city to shift to indigenous materials like the ‘bayongs’ made from abaca or palm leaves.
A mass production of ‘bayongs’ is needed to cope with the demand. DTI said the city in coordination with other agencies may teach the barangays how to produce ‘bayongs’. Materials are available in the countryside.
Lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of the Philippine Earth Justice Center also commended the city government for its efforts to protect and preserve the environment.
She said that it is high time for the city to pursue the ordinance because it is already long over due. The previous city council also discussed a similar ordinance but it was never passed.
The ordinance, she said, will help the city follow the mandate of Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act. The law mandates that waste should be reduced by 25 percent every three years.
She also suggested to impose tax on establishments that will continue to use plastic, if totally banning the same is not possible.
Labella said he is open to suggestions so revisions may be made in the proposed ordinance.
The council is yet to obtain the position paper of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry to get their sentiments before the council starts deliberating.
If possible, Labella said, another hearing will be set to invite other stakeholders like the markets, the manufacturers, schools, retailers and other technical experts. —(FREEMAN)
June 2025
Philippine Environment Month!
“Action for Nature, for the Future!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
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Monthly Observances:
1 Jun – World Day of Parents
5 Jun – World Environment Day
7 Jun – World Food Safety Day
8 Jun – World Oceans Day
12 Jun – World Day Against Child Labour
15 Jun – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
16 Jun – International Day of Family Remittances
17 Jun – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
20 Jun – World Refugee Day
25 Jun – Day of the Seafarer
27 Jun – Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
Daily Observances:
June 6: Migrant Workers Day
June 19: Filipino Youth Day
June 25: Day of the Filipino Seafarer
