DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA) -- Twelve vendors were apprehended in the municipality of Daet in Camarines Norte for violating a local ordinance that prohibits the use of single-use plastics.

According to Ronaldo Paguirigan of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Daet the vendors violated the “no plastic bag policy’ spelled out in the Municipal Environmental Code which took effect in 2013. 

The municipality has started to strictly implement the ordinance as a parallel move to its promotion of the use of reusable bags, popularly known locally as eco bags.

Paguirigan said that in their recent monitoring, 50 percent of consumers and business establishments are now using eco bags in markets. 

Paguirigan expressed optimism that this year's strict implementation will eventually lead to the elimination of the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags.

The campaign has so far elicited support from the public.

Vicky Yiu, manager of Allan Marc Office and School Supplies, supports the "no plastic policy" implementation.

“Para din sa ating environment, ang mga plastic ay matagal matunaw  (It’s in our best interest to stop using plastic because plastics pollute our environment and they take a long time to dissolve),” she said.

“Ang plastic ay bumabara sa mga kanal na nagdudulot ng pagbaha sa ilang lugar ng bayan ng Daet (Plastic clogs drains causing flooding in some areas of Daet town)," said Glenda Villones, a long time resident of Daet. 

“Pabor ako sa batas dahil mas mura ang bio-degradable plastic na gagamitin namin sa pambalot ng karne na makakabawas sa aming gastos” ( I am in favor of the law because the bio-degradable plastic that we will use to wrap meat will be cheaper which will reduce our cost)," according to meat seller  Rico Abainza of Silva Meat Shop. 

The local government has enlisted the help of 90 personnel, including barangay officials, to ensure strict compliance with the "no plastic policy" and promote the use of biodegradable bags when purchasing products. 

Individuals who violate the policy will face a penalty of P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P1,500 for the third offense. 

Meanwhile, commercial establishments will be fined P1,500 for the first offense, P2,500 for the second offense, and risk having their license to operate canceled for the third offense. (PIA 5/Camarines Norte)