The City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga through its Environment and Natural Resources Office slated the activities in line with this year’s celebration of Zero Waste Month.
During the flag raising ceremony, Mayor Edwin D. Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, together with city department heads unveiled a calendar of events made from recyclable materials instead of a tarpaulin which is non-biodegradable.
This was witnessed by Councilors Nelson Lingat, Noel Tulabut, Harvey Quiwa, BJ Lagman, and representatives from Mother Earth Foundation.
The month-long program include events such as banning of food waste in city government buildings [January 5], awarding of materials for the construction of recovery facilities for the Home Owners Association [January 9], environmental quiz bee [January 15], participation in the 1stPhilippine Zero waste fair in Quezon City Memorial Circle [January 22-24].
On January 29, the city will hold a walk for the environment which will start from McDonald’s Intersection and will end at the Heroes Hall, followed by the recognition of winners of Eco Bag making contest; and on February 1, a city-wide cleanup program will be held.
Meanwhile, Engr. Anele David reminded the public that plastic regulation will be held every day starting January 1, 2015. “Batay sa ating ordinansa, mayroon ng bayad ang plastic sando bags para sa dry at wet goods at mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang paggamit ng Styro sa mga produktong pagkain.”
Last year, the LGU implemented Ordinance No. 2014-008 also known as the plastic-free ordinance of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga wherein no store shall utilize or provide free plastic bags as primary and secondary packaging materials on goods to customers except those pre-packed goods by manufacturers while mandating all stores to make available for sale of reusable bags and woven bags for the purpose of carrying out goods from the point of sale.
For his part, Mayor Santiago encouraged everyone to practice proper waste segregation. “Kung ang lahat ay mag-sesegregate ng basura, malaki ang matitipid ng siyudad sa pagbabayad ng “tipping fee” at ang pondong dapat sanang gugulin dito ay maaaring gamitin sa ibang panlipunang serbisyo gaya ng kalusugan, hanap buhay at edukasyon.”
Earlier, the City of San Fernando was recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources after it topped this year’s environment compliance audit for its environment-friendly programs and projects.
