The Sangguniang Panglungsod of Calapan has passed an ordinance banning the use of plastic bags and styrofoams.

Vice Mayor Jojo Perez said the passage of the Ordinance Prohibiting the Use and Sale of Non-Biodegradable Plastic Bags and Styrofoams as Bagging and Packaging Materials for Dry and Wet Goods  is part of the city government’s “Green Calapan” program.

“It is high time that we take serious step if we want to stop nature’s destruction,” said Perez.

He cited the pressing problem of waste disposal in Calapan City, particularly now that the Batino Dumpsite is overly filled and nearing closure.

The ordinance was co-authored by City Councilors Aselo M. Agua, chairman of the Committee on Environment, and C. Voltaire S. Brucal, chairman of the Committee on Laws.

The new city law aims to regulate, if not totally eliminate, the use of non-biodegradable plastic and styrofoam due to their destructive impact on the environment.

The ordinance instead orders the use of biodegradable packaging and bagging materials.

Before its passage, the ordinance was presented on April 26 in a public hearing attended by representatives from the business sector, government agencies, non-government and people’s organizations.