BACOLOD City – A “No Plastic Wednesday” initiative is set to be implemented in this city as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste and environmental pollution.
The Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) will spearhead the program, encouraging residents and businesses to avoid using plastic products every Wednesday.
The initiative targets single-use plastics such as bags and bottles, aiming to minimize their contribution to pollution.
BENRO head Ma. Fe Trespuentes said the city government recently engaged local plastic suppliers to gauge their willingness to support the program.
“The suppliers responded positively and committed to complying with the policy,” said Trespuentes.
The program aligns with City Ordinance No. 562, enacted in 2011, which regulates the use, sale, and distribution of plastic bags as packaging materials.
The ordinance, later amended by City Ordinance No. 698 in 2018, mandates businesses to provide biodegradable plastic bags if necessary and allows single-use plastic bags only upon customer request, with an additional charge.
Further provisions of the ordinance exempt plastic bags used as primary packaging for fresh and unpackaged food, citing public hygiene considerations.
In line with the ordinance, Trespuentes emphasized that food vendors at the Bacolod City Government Center are already prohibited from using secondary plastic packaging for their products.
“Primary packaging for food is still allowed, but secondary plastic bags for wrapping or carrying food items are no longer permitted,” she stressed.
BENRO is awaiting an executive order from the city mayor’s office to officially launch the program. Once approved, Bacolod will join the growing list of cities taking proactive steps to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices./PN
