Bacolod City – Mayor Greg Gasataya announced in a press conference recently that the city will strictly implement the anti-littering ordinance, following a series of cleanup and clearing operations around the city.
According to Gasataya, they are already in the process of conducting an information, education, and communication campaign and will meet with the barangay captains within the week.
“Penalty is one thing, but it is more of a realization that they [Bacolodnons], also have their share in ensuring the city is orderly,” Gasataya said.
The City Legal Office and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) will be authorized to handle the violators.
Penalties will be imposed, including community service and a P500 for the first offense and P1,000 for the second offense.
The implementation was based on the City Ordinance No.531, which prohibits the littering of plastics, paper, or any others in public or open spaces, waterways, and recreational areas.
“This is a call for everyone to help do their share in ensuring the proper solid waste management,” Gasataya added.
On Friday, a total of 17 tons of garbage and silt were hauled from a creek in Purok Riverside, Barangay Bata, beside the North Ceres Terminal.
Gasataya said that the BENRO and IPM-Construction Development Corp. provided a hotline number for the complaints, to be posted on the trucks of the garbage collection contractor. (Theresa Mae Dulman via tvds)