By Anthony Giron
TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite -- This city has banned flying gas balloons and sky lanterns to keep it free and prevent environment and health problems.
The ban against was only one of the latest environmental measures that the local government has adopted.
The ban was contained in City Ordinance No. 322 Series of 2019 which Mayor Agnes Delgado-Tolentino approved last August 13.
The city council unanimously passed the ordinance’s provisions following a session deliberation that lasted for about a month.
Councilor Lois Andrea R, Palo, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) president and Committee on Environmental Protection and Sanitation chairperson, was the ordinance author.
Gas balloons and sky lanterns are used in festivities, promotional events, burial ceremonies, and similar outdoor activities.
"Releasing of flying gas balloons and lanterns outdoor causes littering; furthermore balloons are biodegradable wastes which takes years to break down; may release chemicals to the environment; while latex balloons primarily affect animals, and/or mylar/foil balloons can cause dangerous power outages and spark fires," the ordinance stated.
The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) will oversee the ordinance’s implementation.
Fines for violators range from P300 to P1,000 and community service.
The owner or manager of establishments selling the balloons and lanterns faces fines of as much as P5,000 and closure of their business.