Green group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) is calling on the Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to start crafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the ordinance banning the use of single-use plastics in Davao City.
“It was already signed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio last year ang problema na lang is wala pa itong IRR and we are coordinating with CENRO kasi sila ang point agency for the crafting of the IRR. Kasi until such time na walang IRR walang pangil ang ordinance,” said Amelou Catague-Ferrer, policy advocate officer of IDIS on Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw.
Last year, Mayor Sara signed the ordinance entitled “No to Single-Use Plastics Ordinance of 2021,” aiming to regulate the sale, distribution, and use of single-use plastics in the city. The ordinance also aims to implement waste reduction plans, programs, and practices within the city and “to enhance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”
Among the provisions of the ordinance is that single-use plastics such as drinking cups, ice cream cups, condiments or gravy containers, cup lids, stirrers, cutleries, straws, meal boxes, pastry or cake boxes, egg containers or clamshells, balloon sticks, and hand gloves are no longer allowed to be sold, used, or distributed for free without a special permit to distribute and/or use single-use plastic products.
“Matagal na kaming nakikipag-coordinate sa CENRO that IRR should already be crafted kasi if you have notice pag start ng pandemic mas dumami yung mga single-use plastic wastes na napupunta sa stream,” Ferrer said.
