La Union Goes Single-Use Plastics-Free as SP Passes SUP Code
By: Celean B. Ortega, GPC-SP | Photos By: SP | Date: July 4, 2023
La Union is leading the charge towards a greener future as it becomes a single-use plastics (SUP)-free province. The significant step was marked by the passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 342-2023, titled "ENACTING THE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS (SUPs) AND OTHER REUSABLE AND DISPOSABLE MATERIALS CODE OF THE PROVINCE OF LA UNION," during the 53rd Regular Session of the 23rd Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of La Union on July 4, 2023.
SPM Pablo C. Ortega, the Committee Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Human Ecology, and Security, and the principal author of the ordinance, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of sustainability. He stated that by making conscious choices, La Union can inspire others to become champions for change and work towards a healthier, greener province.
“By fostering a culture of sustainability, We can inspire others to make conscious choices and become champions for change," SPM Pablo Ortega said in his sponsorship speech.
The newly enacted ordinance comprehensively regulates the use of single-use plastics throughout the entire province. It encourages the adoption of reusable alternative materials, imposes penalties for violators, and offers incentives to citizens and businesses that faithfully adhere to the policy.
Further, the ordinance aims to strengthen and harmonize the existing policies of the 19 Municipalities and Component City to promote a progressive yet sustainable environment which complements the Provincial Government of La Union’s vision to be the Heart of Agri-tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.
Through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders under the La Union PROBINSYAnihan initiative, the province is now poised for a promising and sustainable future for generations to come.
In the coming months, the Provincial Government of La Union, through the PG-Environment and Natural Resources Office, in partnership with responsible agencies and Local Government Units in the province, will conduct extensive information, education, and communication campaigns to inform the public about the implementation of the ordinance. Additionally, private establishments are encouraged to join the campaign and refrain from using single-use plastics.
With La Union taking this bold step towards sustainability, it sets an inspiring example for other provinces to follow suit in the fight against single-use plastics and towards a greener and more eco-conscious future.
