The activity started with a motorcade from the city hall going to the city boulevard and a program was followed discussing the main points of the said ordinance.
This ordinance shall be implemented within the facilities of the city government and other establishments like the central public market, fish port complex, the integrated bus terminal and “talipapa” or small market in barangays.
It is said to be implemented on a phase by phase basis starting May 1 and every Friday shall be “No Plastic Day” at the central public market, bus terminal and small market in barangays.
Moreover, during “tabo” or market day at Fishport Comlex every Friday and Saturday, the “no plastic day” shall also be imposed.
“I urge our fellow Dipolognons to bring their own recyclable bags or containers to place their purchased goods inside. What we frown upon is the use of thin film plastic bags which constitutes a bulk of our waste here in Dipolog City,” said Councilor Kenny Val U. Ong, chairman on Committee of Environment and Natural Resources (CENR).
“Let's go green for the environment. Let's be environmentally aware. Less waste equals a healthier and cleaner environment,” he added.
So far, Dipolognons responded favorably to the said ordinance. Both the sellers and the buyers are observed to have been complying with the law.
Some vendors are using paper bags while the fish vendors are using banana leaves in wrapping the fish.
Meanwhile, customers are bringing their own baskets, disposable bags and containers when buying.
“This shows that both the establishments and the people are giving their full support and cooperation to make better Dipolog.”
For every violation, a fine P 1,000 shall be imposed on an erring establishment and P100 on the buyer.