THE ILOILO provincial government is pushing for full enforcement of Provincial Ordinance No. 2019-193, a landmark measure aimed at curbing single-use plastics. With 39 of 43 local government units (LGUs) already on board, the province has made good progress in its mission to reduce plastic waste, particularly in public markets and commercial areas where single-use plastics have been ubiquitous. However, as four remaining LGUs work to finalize their local ordinances, the urgency for full compliance across Iloilo grows stronger.
Single-use plastics — convenient yet harmful — represent one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. These items, from disposable bags to food containers, are designed for convenience but are anything but disposable when it comes to environmental impact. Left unrecycled and in vast quantities, they choke waterways, clog landfills, and harm local wildlife, requiring hundreds of years to break down. By focusing on this issue, Iloilo not only contributes to its local environmental protection but also joins a global effort to minimize plastic pollution — a mission that is critical for the well-being of our planet.
Despite the encouraging participation of most LGUs, the full implementation of this ordinance across the entire province remains challenging. Local government units must overcome logistical hurdles, address the economic concerns of businesses accustomed to plastic packaging, and shift the habits of communities long dependent on single-use plastics. The four LGUs yet to adopt the ordinance face unique local challenges, from coordinating waste management practices to fostering a cultural shift toward sustainability.
Yet, while these difficulties are valid, they should not delay the broader vision of a plastic-free Iloilo. Full compliance by every LGU is the foundation for an environmental transformation that requires collective action. Without consistent regulations across all municipalities, Iloilo risks weakening the impact of this ordinance, potentially allowing single-use plastics to persist in specific areas and undermining the province’s overall efforts.
This month, Iloilo celebrates its 3rd Provincial Environmental Awareness Month, with the theme “One Environment, One Future,” reminding us of the interconnectedness of our actions. By adopting and rigorously implementing this ordinance, Iloilo can set a powerful example of collective responsibility, that united action can address the climate crisis, protect biodiversity, and safeguard our seas and forests from plastic pollution.
The path to a plastic-free Iloilo will not be easy, but it is a path worth walking. We call on the people of Iloilo to support this effort. Businesses must embrace sustainable alternatives, citizens must adapt to new habits, and policymakers must ensure robust enforcement. Together, we can make a difference — one plastic-free step at a time.
