ILOILO – The provincial government is advancing toward full province-wide enforcement of Provincial Ordinance No. 2019-193, which regulates the use of single-use plastics, aiming to minimize plastic waste across local markets and communities.
According to Mitzi Peñaflorida, senior environmental management specialist at the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), 39 out of 43 local government units (LGUs) in the province have already adopted the ordinance.
The remaining four LGUs are awaiting final approval of their local ordinances.
Single-use plastics are plastic products designed to be used once and then discarded. They are typically not durable or meant for multiple uses, making them convenient but environmentally damaging. Common examples include plastic bags (like grocery or shopping bags), straws, cutlery (such as plastic forks, knives, and spoons), plates and cups, food packaging (such as wrappers and containers for takeout), water bottles and soda bottles.
These items are problematic because they are often not recyclable or take hundreds of years to break down, contributing significantly to environmental pollution. When discarded, they frequently end up in landfills, oceans, and other natural spaces, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Efforts to reduce single-use plastics, like bans or restrictions, are aimed at encouraging reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable bottles.
Peñaflorida emphasized that reducing single-use plastics, particularly in public markets, is a key objective of the provincial government’s environmental protection agenda.
In line with this initiative, Iloilo is set to mark its 3rd Provincial Environmental Awareness Month this November. This event aligns with National Environmental Awareness Month and National Climate Change Consciousness Week, as declared by Republic Act 9512 and Presidential Proclamation No. 1667, respectively.
This year’s theme, “One Environment, One Future”, underscores the impact of human activities on critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and sea-level rise.
The month-long celebration will kick off today, November 4, at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby, led by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and PGENRO head Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr.
The program will feature guests, including Engr. Jolepe Suerte, head of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) in Pavia town; Dr. Ernesto Servillon Jr., Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education – Iloilo Division; Forester Raul Lorilla, officer-in-charge regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region 6; Provincial Director Carmelo Orbista of the Department of Interior and Local Government – Iloilo Province; and Arce Dion Chua, project manager of the Catholic Relief Services – Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative.
Highlights of the opening ceremony include the launch of environmental initiatives such as “Balik Alat 2.0”, “Tanum Iloilo for MORPROGRES”, and “Project LISO”.
An exhibit walkthrough will follow, showcasing local government efforts to reintroduce traditional fishing methods and to promote Philippine native trees and fruits.
Peñaflorida noted that the celebration serves as a platform to recognize the best environmental practices and initiatives of LGUs, reinforcing partnerships for sustainable, long-term solutions to environmental challenges.
Through a “ridge-to-reef” approach, Iloilo aims to create a cleaner, greener, and healthier province.
The event also targets three primary objectives:
* raising public awareness about environmental protection, conservation, and resource management
* strengthening community resilience against climate change risks
* promoting sustainable resource management for a balanced environment/PN
