Control No.

:
__________
Republic of the Philippines
HERITAGE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR
Vigan City

10TH SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN

___________________________________________________________________________
ORDINANCE NO. _____
Series of 2021

AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE USE AND BRINGING IN OF SINGLE-USE

PLASTICS BY INDIVIDUALS AND COMMERCIALS ESTABLISHMENTS INSIDE
TOURIST SITES/DESITINATIONS WITHIN THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR 

Authored By:
Hon. Constante T. Oandasan

Co-Authored By:
Hon. Christopher Baterina

WHEREAS, the Philippine Constitution provides for the protection and advancing the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature (Section 16, Article 2).
WHEREAS, the Local Government Units shall share with the national government
responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their
territorial jurisdiction (Section 3 (i) of R.A. 7160);
WHEREAS, the state shall ensure the right of people to a balanced and healthful ecology
through the promotion of activities geared towards environmental protection, conservation
and restoration (Section 3. (h) (o) of R.A. 9593);
WHEREAS, the state shall maintain international standards of excellence in all tourism
facilities and services, and promote the country as a safe and wholesome tourist destination
(Section 3. (o) of R.A. 9593);
WHEREAS, there is a need to arrest or minimize the use of disposable plastics especially in
the tourism industry to safeguard our environment and sustain the growth derived from said
industry;
WHEREAS, to keep the plastic waste crisis from worsening in tourist destinations within the
Province of Ilocos Sur;
WHEREAS, this Ordinance seeks to prohibit the use of single-use plastics in all tourist
sites/destinations in the Province of Ilocos Sur;
WHEREAS, this Ordinance is focused on tourism areas. The signages about the plastics ban
should be present at the transport hubs, including airports and bus terminals;
WHEREAS, tourists will be aware that they are most welcome but their single-use plastics
like water bottles, spoons, forks, straws, and stirrers are not. 
WHEREAS, individuals will remind people not to bring single-use plastics to the beaches,
hiking trails, mountains, and other places tourists go to. 
 Control No.:
__________
Republic of the Philippines
HERITAGE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR
Vigan City

10TH SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN

___________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, this Ordinance will address the throw-away attitude among individuals and
recover as much plastic bags from waste stream;

WHEREAS, despite serious efforts of the Province to reduce the impact of single-use
plastics not only because of its negative effects to the tourism industry but more importantly
because of its serious effects to the environment; 
WHEREAS, the 10 Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Sur aims to craft and pass an
th

expedient legislative measure to minimize the litter, to keep our tourist sites/destinations 
environment beautiful and safe;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, as it is hereby ordained by the Sangguniang
Panlalawigan of Ilocos Sur, duly assembled that:  

SECTION 1. TITLE- This Ordinance shall be known and referred to as the “ZERO
PLASTICS IN TOURISM SITES/DESTINATIONS WITHIN THE PROVINCE OF
ILOCOS SUR’’

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY- The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur

provides legislative measures in promoting growth and development in the Province
specifically in all tourist sites/destinations. The Province shall adopt a policy that would
reconcile the economic growth derived from the tourism industry and the people’s right to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS- For purposes of this Ordinance, the following

terms shall be defined:

a. Single-use plastics or disposable plastics- shall include, but are not limited to, items,
such as grocery bags, food packaging films and bags, manufacturing water bottles,
straws, stirrers, containers, Styrofoam/styros, cups, sachets and plastic cutlery.

b. Tourism Sites/Destinations- a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its

inherent or an exhibited natural or cultural value, historical significance, natural or
built beauty, offering leisure and amusement.

c. Alternative packaging materials- refers to recyclable, reusable and/or biodegradable

packaging materials that are used in containing, carrying, holding and /or transporting
goods or products, as an alternative to plastic bag;
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Republic of the Philippines
HERITAGE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR
Vigan City

10TH SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN

___________________________________________________________________________
d. Reusable bag- refers to a washable canvass bag or native bag “bayong” or any
shopping bag used for carrying and transporting goods, which bags are made of
organic or non-organic materials that can be used for several times.

e. Water flask or reusable water container- is a container that is used to hold water,

liquids or other beverages for consumption. The use of a water bottle allows an
individual to drink and transport a beverage from one place to another. A water bottle
is usually made of plastic, glass, or metal. Water bottles are available in different
shapes, colors, and sizes. In the past, water bottles were sometimes made of wood,
bark, or animal skins such as leather, hide and sheepskin. Water bottles can be
either disposable or reusable. Reusable water bottles can also be used for liquids such
as juice, iced tea, alcoholic beverages, or soft drinks. Reusable water bottles reduce
plastic waste and contribute to saving the environment. Easily portable, water bottles
make for convenient use. Water bottles often list nutrition facts.

f. Food containers – is any container that is use to hold any food that could be recycled
and be reuse to avoid the use of single plastic containers that is pernicious to the
environment.

g. Bring Your Own Bag/Container (BYOB/C) Program- refers to a program whereby

citizens are enjoined to bring a reusable containers or any other alternative packaging
material for purposes of containing, carrying, holding foods and drinks to bought.

SECTION 4. COVERAGE-This Ordinance shall be implemented and enforced within the

territorial jurisdiction of the Province of Ilocos Sur and to ensure that every individual
entering in all tourism sites/destinations are not in possession of any prohibited items mention
in this ordinance. 
 
SECTION 5. PROHIBITION ON THE USE AND BRINGING IN OF SINGLE-USE
PLASTICS IN THE TOURIST SITES/DESTINATIONS – It shall be unlawful for any
individual or groups of individuals, and all commercial establishments located inside tourist
sites/destinations to bring in or use disposable plastics as containers or packaging for any
product for use or consumption inside the premises of tourist sites/destinations.

SECTION 6. ALTERNATIVE PACKAGING MATERIALS-The use of recyclable, reusable

and/or biodegradable alternative packaging materials should be encouraged and promoted,
such as reusable woven bags (bayong), cloth bags, rattan baskets, shopping bags made from
recycled waste paper and other bags made out of biodegradable materials (e.g. banana leaves,
taro leaves, water lily, corn stalk, etc.) shall be utilized as alternative packaging materials. All
citizens and business establishments are encouraged to adopt the “Bring Your Own
Bag/Container” Program.
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__________
Republic of the Philippines
HERITAGE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR
Vigan City

10TH SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN

___________________________________________________________________________
SECTION 7. ALTERNATIVE CONTAINERS FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE. The use of
reusable and/or paper-based containers for food and/or beverage and other alternative
containers are encouraged and promoted.
To assist in the implementation of the single-use plastic prohibition in all tourist
destinations/sites, local health and environment units shall develop a report on the
availability, cost and performance of recyclable and biodegradable alternatives to single use
plastic products.
SECTION 8. INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN-
Upon approval of this Ordinance, the Province through the Public Information Office
together with the Provincial Environment Natural Resources Office, Provincial Tourism
Office, shall conduct massive information, education and communication campaigns using
quad media (print, radio, television and internet) and shall include the promotion of
alternative biodegradable packaging materials. The information and education campaign shall
include the production and distribution of materials related and consistent with the provisions
of this Ordinance.
SECTION 9. PENAL PROVISION- Any person caught in violation of the Ordinance shall
upon conviction thereof, be penalized with a fine of:
Php 1,000 for the first offense;
Php 3,000 for the second offense; and 
Php 5,000 for the third offense.

For Commercial Establishment caught in violation of the Ordinance shall upon

conviction thereof, be penalized with a fined of:
Php 1,000.00 for the first offense, 
Php 3,000.00 for the second offense, and
Php 5,000.00 and suspension of business permit for a period of one (1) year for the
third offense. 
The Penalties herein provided shall be imposed on the person in-charge of the
business establishment which violated the provisions of this Ordinance. This is without
prejudice to the right of the person paying the appropriate fine to seek reimbursement of the
paid amount from the owner of the commercial establishment.

SECTION 10. USE OF FINES-  All fines collected as a result of the implementation of this
Ordinance shall be allocated to the ocean and other water-system rehabilitation and
conservation programs of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources.

SECTION 11. ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AND STAKEHOLDERS– The

Implementing Rules and Regulations promulgated by the PENRMO shall lay down the
responsibilities of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board, General Services Office
(GSO), Barangay Affairs Office (BAO) Provincial Treasury Office (PTO), Licensing
Division (LD of each Mayor’s Office, various component barangays business sector,
institutions, market/stalls, educational and other stakeholders with respect to the
 Control No.:
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Republic of the Philippines
HERITAGE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR
Vigan City

10TH SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN

___________________________________________________________________________
implementation of the said Ordinance. The above Offices, shall be responsible in ensuring the
provisions of the Ordinance are strictly implemented enforced and monitored.”

These Rules and Regulations shall specify in particular the role of the Barangays in the
implementation, enforcement and monitoring of the provisions of the Ordinance on all
commercial establishments operating within tourist destinations/sites in their respective
jurisdictions.

SECTION 12. IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES- The Provincial Tourism Office (PTO),

the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO), and the Department of Interior
and Local Government (DILG) shall promulgate the implementing guidelines necessary to
enforce the objectives of this Ordinance within sixty (60) days after its effectivity.

SECTION 13. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE- In event or for any reason/s, any part/s,
sections/s or provision/s of this Ordinance shall be held or declared be unconstitutional or
invalid, the remaining part/s thereof which are not affected thereby, shall continue to be
effective and in full force.

SECTION 14. REPEALING CLAUSE- All laws, orders, regulations, or parts thereof,
inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 15. EFFECTIVITY- This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon
approval, posting and publication pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Code
of 1991.

APPROVED AND ENACTED UNANIMOUSLY by all the members present this ___ day
of _______, 2021.