Local governments in Ilocos Norte have stepped up efforts to implement anti-littering measures during the observance of “Undas”, or All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days from November 1-2.
Joegie Jimenez, provincial pollution control officer, on Friday said there are garbage collectors and youth volunteers on standby around the cemeteries.
He also underscored the importance of instilling discipline among the people such as throwing out garbage properly and practicing waste segregation, citing the clean-up drives and promotion of 3Rs or the so-called “reuse, reduce, and recycle” in every home.
“It is not yet too late to save our planet,” he said, adding also the importance of tree-planting activities to help protect the environment.
In the municipality of Pagudpud, famous for its white sand beaches and gigantic windmills, Pagudpud municipal environment and natural resources office (MENRO) chief Jose Morata is urging the public to observe its anti-littering ordinance, strictly enforced since it was approved 16 years ago or in 2008.
“You are in Pagudpud, please do not litter,” he said.
Pagudpud’s anti-littering ordinance charges violators with stiffer penalties. It reinforces Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
Under Ordinance 2008-018, throwing, littering, and disposal of garbage or waste matter in public places and other areas not duly designated as disposal sites shall be fined between PHP200 and PHP1,000 in addition to community service.
“Since the approval of the ordinance, around 15 individuals were issued notice of violations,” Morata said.
According to Morata, they have designated basura (waste) patrollers in crowd-drawing areas to help implement the ordinance.
Village officials are also encouraged to have their own materials recovery facility (MRF) in their areas where villagers put their garbage, ready for pick up by collectors.
The Pagudpud MENRO continues to conduct information and education campaigns including the regular conduct of clean-up drives in rivers and creeks as well as facilitating a waste exchange store and the search for the best village in the implementation of RA 9003 and the search for eco-friendly school promoting waste diversion programs. (Leilanie Adriano)