Malay LGU reduces plastic use

BORACAY – The local government of Malay, Aklan is starting to “reduce and eventually eliminate” plastic use.

Mayor Ciceron Cawaling signed a memorandum dated June 24 encouraging all agencies under the municipal government to refuse using plastic products – like plastic bottles, plastic cutlery, three-in-one coffee, and plastic cups, among others – during meetings, sessions, gatherings, and other events.

 Cawaling believes that this will address the plastic pollution problem in Malay, where this world-famous island resort is located.

“The municipal government started its initiative to reduce, and eventually eliminate plastic waste pollution in the municipality,” the mayor said.

Public schools in Boracay have also started implementing their respective policies against plastic use.

Cawaling is among the 17 Aklan local officials who are facing administrative and graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for failing to ensure Boracay’s sustainability.

Department of Interior and Local Government undersecretary Epimaco Densing III lodged the complaint on June 27 against Cawaling,  Gov. Florencio Miraflores, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Valentin Talabero, Vice Mayor Abram Sualog, Sangguniang Bayan members Natalie Cawaling-Paderes, Jupiyer Gallenero, Floribar Bautista, Lloyd Maming, Dalidig Sumandad, Maylynn Aguirre-Graf, Danilo Delos Santos, and Dante Pagsuguiron, Licensing Officer III Jen Salsona, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgardo Sancho, and barangay officials Hector Casidsid, Chona Gabay and Lilibeth Sacapaño.

Densing accused the officials of issuing Boracay establishments permits to operate despite them not securing fire safety inspection certificates.

Densing also sought the preventive suspension of all the respondents pending investigation, citing Section 24 of Republic Act 6770, or the Ombudsman Act of 1989./PN