(Photo courtesy of La Union provincial government)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan — La Union provincial government’s bid for a zero-waste environment has resulted in the collection of more than 8,000 kilos of polyethylene bottles and solid waste in 2024 alone.
Under the Palit Basura (garbage exchange) program, the provincial government was able to collect 8,639 kilos of polyethylene bottles and solid wastes, which were swapped for 10,997 pieces of canned goods.
Article continues after this advertisementThe program is being implemented with Project Hope and Century Tuna’s Save our Seas Project since April last year.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Isko Moreno leads 2025 Manila mayoral race surveys NEWSINFO No rice shortage amid plans to declare food security emergency NEWSINFO Doctor assaulted in road altercation, suspect nabbedAlso part of the province’s effort is the enforcement of the 2023 Plastic Code of La Union that aims to mitigate the negative effects of plastic on the environment and promote sustainable practices.
The ordinance imposed the ban of single-use plastics and polystyrene products in all business establishments in the province.
The benchmark PSEi dropped by 1.36 percent, or 101.15 points, to end at 7,310.32 while the broader All Shares Index slipped by 0.55 percent, or 22.36 points, to settle at 4,015.16.
gila4d slotArticle continues after this advertisementIt prohibits the use of plastic forks, spoons, cups, plates, straw, food containers and products made of foamed polystyrene, or more popularly known by the brand name Styrofoam.
Article continues after this advertisement“We continue to intensify our information education campaign and we encourage our province mates to use alternatives to plastic,” Governor Raphaelle Veronica David said in a statement.
Article continues after this advertisementSince La Union is also known for its tourist attractions, the province’s Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) focuses on maintaining cleanliness in the key tourist destinations and coastal areas.
In collaboration with different local government units, ENRO continues to monitor giant trash bins placed in popular destinations including the Urbiztondo surfing area in San Juan; Bilagan Road in Santol; Baluarte Watchtower in Luna; Immuki Island in Balaoan; San Carlos beach in Caba; and Agoo Eco Park.
Article continues after this advertisement“We underscore our thrust on environmental sustainability that is why we encourage our visitors and locals to properly dispose of their trash to preserve the beauty of our tourist spots,” David said.
“January is Zero Waste Month, and this is a timely reminder to our kaprobinsyahan (provincemates) to continue with our efforts to enjoin everybody in this environmental cause,” she added.
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