By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—To intensify the campaign on proper waste disposal, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is urging concerned local government units from the provincial, municipal and barangay levels to support the proposed “Ilocos Norte Anti-Littering Ordinance.”
Sponsored by senior SP member Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, he expects the simultaneous implementation of anti-littering campaigns in the 21 towns and two cities of the province to send a strong signal to the public that Ilocos Norte means business.
“We need to standardize because we don’t want any garbage scattered elsewhere,” said Mr. Manotoc following the conduct of a public hearing held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall.
Long before the passage of the provincial ordinance, Brgy. Sungadan (Paoay) chairperson Efren Valdez said his constituents are already practicing proper waste disposal.
Mr. Valdez, however noted that there are some erring public transport buses with toilet which are allegedly flushing dirt along the national highway.
During the rainy season, several water canals in the city are flooded due to clogged plastic wastes.
In view of this, the local chief executives shall deputize apprehending officers other than police officers in the barangays to implement said ordinance.
Under the proposed ordinance, the throwing, littering and disposing of garbage or waste matter in public places and other areas not duly designated as disposal sites shall be fined between PHP500 to PHP1,500 in addition to rendering community service.
At the barangay levels, the ordinance also encourages concerned local authorities to have their own materials recovery facility where villagers can put their garbage ready for pick up by garbage collectors.