Mayor Benjamin Magalong has reiterated the strict prohibition on the use of single-use plastics in all city government offices as part of the local government’s environmental protection campaign.

“This action aims to protect our environment and health, conserve resources, reduce plastic pollution, and set a positive example for our economy,” Magalong said in a media interview on Wednesday.

Magalong issued Memorandum No. 130 to reinforce Memorandum No. 66, series of 2023, which requires city government employees, service providers such as canteen and store concessionaires, food caterers, and even office visitors to refrain from bringing single-use plastics to city government offices.

He emphasized that the city government must serve as a role model in fully enforcing the ban, which has been in place since the passage of Ordinance No. 35-17 in 2017, regulating the sale, distribution, and use of plastic shopping bags and styrofoam in Baguio.

Single-use plastic items covered by the ban include plastic cups and bottles, disposable cutlery, plates, food containers and meal boxes, plastic straws and stirrers, styrofoam packaging, plastic sauce containers, and other similar items.

The memorandum encourages the use of eco-friendly alternatives such as reusable or washable bottles, plates, food containers, cups, and utensils, as well as biodegradable or compostable packaging. (PNA)