BY: ROI ANTHONI B. LOMOTAN
VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Sept. 1(PIA) – The municipality of Valencia convinces its residents to shift from using non-biodegradable plastic bags to utilizing ‘greener’ alternatives like eco-friendly bags.
Valencia town Mayor Edgar Teves explained the move aims to diminish the use of plastics in the town. He noted that plastic bags can become pollutants to their land and water resources and cause clogging to the town’s drainage systems.
On Aug. 31, the local government of Valencia launched the “Chada Valencia, Protects the Environment and Tree Planting” program to intensify their campaign on environmental protection.
Part of it is the presentation and promoting the use of cloth bags which are produced by members of the Local Council for Women.
Dr. Maria Luisa Kho, member of the LCW said the move to make use of cloth bags instead of plastic bags is the local government’s commitment and enthusiasm in protecting the environment.
“We want to protect the environment. Valencia is really enthusiastic in protecting the environment especially in planting trees,” Kho adds.
Kho also mentioned that purchasing cloth bags would not only bring benefits to nature but will also bring livelihood and income to members of the LCW.
Aside from these, Sangguniang Bayan member and Tourism Officer designate Elsie Dagoy disclosed that the local government is now pushing for an ordinance that would regulate the use of plastics in the said municipality.
“We are now formulating an ordinance that would regulate the use of plastic especially in our market area,” Dagoy said.
The launching of ‘Chada Valencia, Protects the Environment and Tree Planting’ program is part of the activities the local government prepared in line with the incoming celebration of the town’s fiesta this year. (mbcn/ral/PIA7-NegOr)