Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), standing at the forefront of the battle against plastic pollution, spearheaded the “Usapang Plastic: Advocacy Forum on Single-Use and Other Reusable and Disposable Materials Code of La Union” at the College of Arts and Sciences Audio Visual Room, DMMMSU-Mid La Union Campus, City of San Fernando, La Union, on April 19, 2024.
Marking Earth Day 2024 under the theme “Planet vs. Plastics,” the forum convened experts, policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the impacts of plastic pollution on health and the environment and to shed light on the urgent need for sustainable practices amidst the escalating plastic crisis.
Prof. Melchor Duque Salom, Director of Business Affairs and Resource Development (BARD), highlighted the importance of policies in regulating human activities that affect the environment and natural resources. He emphasized the role of these policies in promoting inter-generational equity and sustainable development. He also challenged the participants to become responsible stewards of the environment by managing waste properly.
EnP Shereal Maala, Supervising Environmental Management Specialist from the Provincial Government of La Union, discussed the salient features of Provincial Ordinance No. 426-2023. This ordinance imposes the ban on single-use plastics, including straws, stirrers, cutlery, styrofoam, food containers with plastic and silver liners, plastic bags, and other non-reusable plastic materials. She also emphasized the importance of using reusable alternatives such as tumblers, utensils, bags, and containers when shopping or purchasing food or groceries in the public market.
Deputy Director of the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation (JVOFI), Ms. Corazon P. Sajonas, presented the organization’s environmental initiatives in the Province of La Union. These include the Clean Coast Project, empowering communities in waste management across 33 barangays in San Juan, San Fernando, and Bauang, and the INSPIRE Project, which promotes collaboration among stakeholders for the protection and sustainable use of resources in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The University, through its Resource Development Unit, is an active partner in the implementation of these initiatives.
Moreover, Mr. Celso H. Jucutan, the University Coordinator on Resource Development, shared the efforts of the Institute of Environmental Studies (IES) in conducting waste management training sessions for local leaders. He also highlighted local initiatives focused on plastic recovery, promoting reusable materials, and cleanliness through clean-up drives.
The advocacy forum was made possible through the collaborative partnership with the JVOFI, the Provincial Government of La Union’s Environment and Natural Resources Office, DMMMSU’s Institute of Environmental Studies (IES), and Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), the Young Earthsavers’ Society (YES), Student Affairs Services, and the College of Arts and Sciences.
The said event concluded with a call to action for everyone to participate in eliminating disposable plastics. (By Celso H. Jucutan)
