NEGROS Occidental — Sagay City on Thursday, January 1, officially enforced a total ban on single-use plastics, marking a major step in the city government’s push for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.
The move is in line with City Ordinance No. 2023-015, also known as the Single-Use Plastic Regulation Ordinance of Sagay, which applies to all business establishments operating within the city, including street vendors offering goods to the public.
“Let’s reduce waste, protect our seas and land, and choose reusable alternatives. Sagay is where the love for nature begins,” the city government said in a statement.
The city’s plastic regulation efforts have been implemented in phases. In January 2024, Sagay introduced “No Plastic Day” every Tuesday and Friday. This was expanded in 2025 to a three-day “No Plastic Day” observed every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Starting January 1, 2026, the city fully enforced the total ban on plastic bags, styrofoam, and other single-use plastics in all establishments.
The ordinance seeks to minimize, if not eliminate, the use of single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene containers, as well as reduce the use of plastic cutlery, drinking straws, hand gloves, stirrers, and similar materials commonly used in food and beverage services.
Under the regulation, it is unlawful to use or provide plastic bags as primary packaging materials for dry goods, except for products already packed by manufacturers. The use of plastic bags as secondary packaging for wet goods and food items—such as those used in wet markets—is also prohibited.
Likewise banned are styrofoam and single-use plastic items, including drinking cups, ice cream and salad cups, stirrers, cutlery, straws, gloves, meal box trays, and cake or pastry boxes used as food and beverage containers.
The city government said the ordinance encourages the use of environmentally friendly alternatives such as woven bags, cloth or paper bags, and other organic packaging materials.
City officials expressed optimism that the measure would significantly reduce waste generation, protect marine and land ecosystems, and promote responsible consumption among residents and businesses alike. (PNA)
