The use of reusable water tumblers instead of disposable plastic water bottles is being promoted in Mandaue City as part of efforts to address the city’s growing waste problem.
The proposal is contained in a resolution filed by Councilor Carlo Fortuna, who said the measure aims to reduce plastic waste by encouraging government offices to lead by example.
Fortuna said the resolution calls on government agencies, including City Hall and national government offices operating in the city, to encourage employees to bring their own water bottles and refill drinking water instead of relying on disposable plastic bottles.
“Knowing we have a crisis right now, what we’re asking for is to set an example here in the government,” Fortuna said in an interview.
He said the use of plastic water bottles should be avoided, starting within government offices.
“These plastic water bottles just keep piling up in the trash,” he added.
Fortuna said one practical solution is to encourage city government employees to bring their own water containers and refill water instead of buying bottled water, particularly those made of plastic.
“Refill nalang para mu-lessen ang usage sa plastic, the disposable plastic,” the councilor said.
He clarified that the resolution is not limited to employees at Mandaue City Hall but also applies to all government offices, including national government agencies based in the city.
“We’re calling on everyone to bring their own water bottle and just refill it with drinking water instead of buying disposable plastic water bottles,” Fortuna said.
In a separate interview, Councilor Jennifer Del Mar expressed support for the resolution, noting that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.
“Everybody should also do their share. For me, I’m also doing my share to minimize the use of plastic,” Del Mar said, adding that she has been bringing her own water bottle for years.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano also voiced support for the initiative, saying he personally uses a reusable water bottle.
“Actually bisan ako, naa man koy own bottle. Para sad maka-save ta and less plastic,” Ouano said.
However, the mayor clarified that while he supports the initiative, he said it should not yet be made mandatory, noting that behavioral change takes time.
“Because that would take time. Behavioral change gyud na siya kay naanad man ang tawo sa convenience,” Ouano said.
But Ouano said the city government will still focus on encouraging employees, particularly those at City Hall, to bring their own tumblers and refill water rather than buying individual plastic bottles.
Ouano added that other local government units have already adopted similar practices, which he said the city should also consider implementing. (VCL)
Photo by Shad Christian/ Google Images
