Legarda calls on Filipinos to cut back on single-use plastics
In observance of National Zero Waste Month, Senator Loren Legarda reiterated her call for Filipinos to lean into recyclable materials and contribute to a more sustainable waste management cycle.
“The Philippines has been tagged as one of the top ocean polluters worldwide, primarily due to our dependence on single-use plastics,” said the senator, who authored and principally sponsored the Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
“It is time to break free from this harmful practice by harnessing our ingenuity and resourcefulness to develop and promote reusable alternatives for our everyday lives,” she stressed.
The country has been celebrating National Zero Waste Month every January since the late Pres. Benigno S. Aquino, III signed Proclamation No. 760, s. 2014. The proclamation urges all government agencies and instrumentalities to participate in endeavors related to the celebration.
“I call on all government agencies to take the lead in creating to help find innovative ways to reuse everyday products and reduce waste,” said Legarda.
Article continues after this advertisement“With successful implementation, we can achieve our goal of transitioning to a circular economy by 2030,” she continued.
The four-term senator, a staunch advocate for environmental protection, has consistently pushed for the strict implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which prohibits open burning of solid waste, introduces waste segregation at source for better disposal practices, and supports local government units in establishing ecological solid waste management programs.
READ: House OKs on 2nd reading bill banning single-use plastics
