Shimura pushes CLAYGO policy

CEBU, Philippines — Provincial Board (PB) Member Kerrie Keane Shimura is pushing for the implementation of the Clean As You Go (CLAYGO) policy in all food establishments and alike in the Province of Cebu.

Shimura sponsored a proposed ordinance requiring food establishments, resorts, public parks management, including vendor’s associations and other entities engaged into food business in the Province of Cebu, to strictly implement the policy within their respective premises.

The proposed legislative measure is now pending before the PB committee on commerce and industry that Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco is heading.

“Amo pa gihan-ay kay naa pa mi gipang-usab after sa public consultation,” said Shimura, who heads the PB committee on public health.

The proposed ordinance defines CLAYGO as a policy which shall mean disposal of food waste primarily by the food consumer in any of the food establishments who are generally engaged into food service business.

Shimura cited Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which mandates for the proper waste disposal.

She said that proper disposal of waste materials is a responsibility that starts from every individual in order to have achieved a clean environment.

“There is a clear and perceptible waste materials or garbage spread-out in public places more recognizably on food sites or establishments where there is no collaborative efforts on the part of the customers to properly dispose their garbage or take responsibility in the cleaning of their food remnants or wastes or garbages,” said Shimura.

Shimura added that to promote and achieve community health, collaborative efforts by food establishments and others alike with the food consumers is pivotal in attaining the community goals in achieving a healthy and clean environment.

“Concomitant to the right to a balanced and healthful ecology, the protection and preservation of our environment is not only a sole obligation of the concerned government agencies but also of the general public,” Shimura added. (FREEMAN)