Five ordinances that promote discipline and environmental protection and conservation from four local government units in northern Cebu passed the review of the Provincial Board (PB). 

In their regular session yesterday, July 8, third district Board Member Atty. John Ismael Borgonia gave an affirmative report on the findings of the PB committee on environmental conservation and natural resources regarding the ordinances that come from the Municipalities of Consolacion, Carmen, and Sogod; as well as Danao City. 

“We hope nga sa kani nga ordinances, mag-start sa kabatan-onan hantod na sa katiguwangan nga ma-instill ni nga discipline nga kuwang kaayo nato,” BM Borgonia told 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 interns.

In Carmen, Ordinance No. 073 Series of 2024 mandates waste segregation at the source and provides penalties for violations. It aims to significantly improve waste management practices by ensuring that all waste is sorted and disposed of properly from its point of origin in the household levels.

In Consolacion, the “Plastic Regulation Ordinance” is strengthened with an amendment; while Sogod bans altogether, under pains of penalties, single-use plastics under Ordinance No. 01-2024. Both ordinances aim to reduce plastic waste by regulating their use and encouraging the use of reusable materials.

For its part, Danao City passed two ordinances that were also approved by the PB. Ordinance No. 20024-17-107 provides for protection and conservation of wildlife and exotic resources and their habitats; while Ordinance No. 2024-17-110 declares as “Pollution-Free Areas” all private and public schools in the city, prohibiting any activity that will create pollution that will affect the school premises and their occupants — the teachers and students.

BM Borgonia stressed that these ordinances are tailored-fit for each LGU considering that each has its own unique situation to manage.

The penalties for violating these ordinances are also designed to deter non-compliance. The maximum penalty includes a fine of up to P5,000 and the maximum period of imprisonment is six months. 

In ensuring the effectivity of these ordinances, BM Borgonia said they will require the public’s full cooperation, especially since environmental protection is the work of the entire community, not just the government. 

“Ang mga taw, kon way magtan-aw, wala may manakop, padayon ra gyod ta sigeg hugaw-hugaw sa palibot. Pero mao tong giingon, ‘Kon unsa imong gilabay, mabalik ra gyod nimo. Kita gyod gihapon ang mag-antos,” he said. | Text by Quelly Gutang, CNU Intern; Photos by Erica Orozco, CNU Intern`