The city of Tayabas has officially implemented its ‘no plastic policy’ on June 1 led by the Tayabas Ecological Solid Waste Management Unit staff to educate residents and distribute reusable eco-bags to encourage compliance.
The new policy is mandated by City Ordinance No. 17-01, which strictly prohibits the use of plastic bags or containers and other non-environmentally acceptable packaging materials, including styrofoam.
Violators of the ordinance will face penalties, a first offense will result in a citation ticket and a fine of P1,000 or 40 hours of community service. For a second violation, the fine increases to P2,000 or 80 hours of community service. Subsequent offenses, starting with the third, will incur a substantial fine of P5,000, imprisonment for six months, or both, at the court’s discretion.
The Tayabas City Local Government Unit emphasized that this campaign is designed to benefit not only consumers and businesses to promote sustainable practices, but also to protect the environment and secure a healthier future for the next generation.