Bacolod City Launches Strict Anti-Littering Drive
Bacolod City officials have vowed to intensify efforts against littering to curb flooding, emphasizing the need for community cooperation. Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that the city government will arrest individuals caught littering and impose penalties as part of its strengthened campaign to clear waterways of trash.
“We cannot succeed in preventing floods if residents continue to throw garbage indiscriminately,” local leaders noted during a press briefing. The exact four word keyphrase, “anti littering to prevent flooding,” is central to the city’s new enforcement strategy.
City Ordinance 531: Legal Framework Against Littering
The city’s anti-littering campaign is anchored on City Ordinance 531, which prohibits the disposal of plastics, papers, and other refuse in public spaces, waterways, and recreational areas. Violators face fines and community service, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders.
According to officials, the ordinance stipulates a P500 fine for the first violation and P1,000 for subsequent offenses. Businesses that break the law risk fines starting at P1,000 and possible cancellation of their operating licenses.
Collaborative Efforts with Barangay Captains and Youth Leaders
Mayor Gasataya is actively engaging barangay captains and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to ensure strict adherence to the ordinance. Community members said that an information and education campaign will run for approximately two weeks before enforcement actions begin.
The mayor emphasized that local leaders play a crucial role in rallying residents to participate in keeping their neighborhoods clean and flood-free.
Cleaning Drives and Waste Management Improvements
On August 15 alone, city workers removed 17 tons of garbage and silt from a waterway near the North Terminal in Barangay Bata, officials reported. This massive cleanup reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining clear drainage systems.
Furthermore, the city government has asked IPM-Construction and Development Corporation, the company responsible for garbage collection, to submit its collection schedule for barangays by next week. This step aims to improve waste disposal efficiency and reduce littering.
Community Responsibility in Flood Prevention
Despite government efforts, residents must also take responsibility. “Bacolod residents also have to do their share to prevent flooding,” local authorities stressed. Proper waste disposal and active participation in cleanup drives are vital to the city’s flood prevention goals.
The anti littering to prevent flooding initiative is a combined effort of law enforcement, education, and community cooperation. It seeks to protect both public health and the environment by reducing ecological degradation caused by improper waste disposal.
For more news and updates on flood prevention and environmental initiatives, visit Filipinokami.com.
