Mandaue City Launches Campaign to Reduce Plastic Bottle Waste Through Reusable Alternatives
In a proactive move to address mounting environmental concerns, officials in Mandaue City are calling on government employees and residents to significantly decrease their consumption of disposable plastic bottles. The initiative promotes a shift toward reusable water bottles, flasks, and tumblers as part of the city's comprehensive strategy to tackle its escalating waste management challenges.
Leadership Advocates for Behavioral Change and Community Example
Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano emphasized that this effort aims to foster behavioral transformation while setting a positive precedent for the entire community. "We strongly support this initiative—eliminating plastic bottles wherever possible. Every individual should carry their own reusable water container. I personally use my own bottle, which contributes to saving resources and reducing plastic waste," Ouano stated.
The mayor clarified that the measure is currently voluntary, acknowledging that altering long-standing habits requires patience and gradual adaptation. "Our primary goal is to encourage, particularly among City Hall employees, to bring their own tumblers and refill them instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles. Numerous local government units have already implemented similar practices, and we believe it's a model worth emulating," he explained, highlighting that this approach aligns with sustainable efforts gaining traction across the nation.
Addressing the Plastic Waste Crisis with Practical Solutions
Councilor Carlo Fortuna underscored the pressing need to confront the city's plastic waste emergency, specifically citing the alarming accumulation of plastic bottles in disposal systems. "Given the current crisis, we are urging government entities to lead by example by eliminating the use of plastic water bottles. These items persistently accumulate in our trash, exacerbating environmental degradation," Fortuna remarked.
"Our proposed solution is straightforward: government employees should adopt flasks or canisters and refill them to minimize disposable plastic consumption. We are appealing to everyone—not just within City Hall but across all government offices, including national agencies operating in Mandaue—to participate in this collective effort," he added.
Fortuna further revealed that the city government is currently reassessing the enforcement of its existing ordinance on single-use plastics. Although the regulation remains active, its implementation has faced challenges in recent years. "The ordinance is still in effect, but we are exploring ways to enhance its execution. Some retailers have resumed using single-use plastics in markets and other venues, and we intend to address this issue, particularly during public events. At this juncture, waste reduction is our foremost priority," he noted.
"We urge all citizens to minimize waste generation both at home and throughout the city. The principles of reuse, reduction, and recycling are essential, but reduction is the most critical component at present," Fortuna concluded.
Positive Reception and Environmental Advocacy
Councilor Jen Del Mar expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as a constructive step toward shared environmental stewardship. "My response is overwhelmingly positive. Every individual must contribute to this cause. Personally, I have been carrying my own bottle for an extended period to limit plastic usage," Del Mar shared.
Environmental advocates have consistently warned about the detrimental effects of single-use plastics on both ecosystems and public health. Plastic bottles, in particular, substantially contribute to landfill overcrowding and drainage complications—especially during the rainy season, when improper disposal can obstruct waterways and trigger flooding incidents.
By advocating for reusable bottles, city officials aim to diminish not only the quantity of plastic waste but also its associated environmental hazards. This campaign emerges amid increasing public consciousness regarding environmental sustainability, with officials stressing the importance of leading by example, beginning within government offices where policies can be more readily implemented.
Long-Term Vision for a Sustainable Mandaue
The long-term objective involves progressively extending this practice to public spaces, markets, and city events, cultivating a culture of sustainability throughout Mandaue. Mayor Ouano and the City Council expressed optimism that through education, advocacy, and policy refinement, the city can markedly reduce its dependence on single-use plastics.
They are urging residents to embrace reusable bottles, endorse local regulations, and collaborate in building a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment. "Behavioral change is a gradual process, but by initiating action now, we can establish the groundwork for a more sustainable future," Ouano affirmed.
"This endeavor transcends mere cost savings or plastic reduction—it is about safeguarding our environment and demonstrating communal responsibility," the mayor concluded, reinforcing the initiative's broader significance for the city's ecological well-being.
