Senior BM Manotoc Proposes: “Plastic-free” Ilocos Norte
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“Our province turned 200 years old this year. In this new century, let us turn over a new, greener leaf,” urged Senior Board Member (SBM) Matthew Marcos Manotoc at the 31st Founding Anniversary Culmination Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) last July 6, at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, Laoag City.
The program featured the theme, “Beat the Plastic Pollution: If You Can’t Reuse It, Refuse It!”
Addressing the audience of DENR officials and staff, Manotoc admitted his growing awareness of plastic pollution, saying, “It made me realize: I can’t stand up here and tell you to stop using plastic if I myself use it.
“I am very grateful to the DENR for reminding us because we are already seeing the damage of single-use plastic,” he added.
Thus, SBM Manotoc proposed solutions in minimizing plastic pollution, particularly through buying locally-made bamboo straws, which would also be a way to support Ilocano entrepreneurs.
He further stated his commitment to a “plastic-free” Ilocos Norte through proposing a provincial anti-plastic ordinance:
“It is high time that we look into passing our provincial anti-plastic ordinance, supporting and spreading our local solutions.”
Manotoc also acknowledged the initiatives of different Ilocos Norte-based environmental groups for conducting clean-up drives.
“Together, we can make Ilocos Norte truly liveable, sustainable, and a greener province,” Manotoc encouraged.
In 2016, Provincial Resolution No. 17 had already declared the province to be “clean, green, and coal-free.” —Edison Justin B. Deus, PGIN-CMO
