- CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolodnons are being urged to do their share and observe an environment-friendly Christmas season.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution Dec. 20, authored by Councilor Em Ang, who stressed that, amid the celebrations, Bacolodnons should be responsible in disposing of trash, so as not to wreak havoc on our already degraded environment.
Celebrating Christmas creates more recyclable waste than at any other time of the year as this is the biggest season for retail and commercial activities, Ang said, adding that such activities generate unnecessary trash, use precious resources, and create a large carbon footprint.
“We can each help cut back on the impact of pollution generated during the season by exchanging environment-friendly Christmas gifts; using green Christmas trees, homemade decorations, and LED lights to save on energy; re-using or recycling wrapping paper; putting gifts in reusable bags; and patronizing products of companies or organizations known to implement green practices,” the resolution said.
Aside from keeping parties clean, the citizenry can also benefit by segregating bio-degradable, recyclable, and unusable wastes as well as holding activities that would promote environmental causes, such as tree-planting, it added. “Christmas should be a time to give thanks to our Creator for giving us one earth to live in, and the best way to show this gratitude is by being responsible stewards of His creation”.
The SP, meanwhile, requested the Bacolod City Police Office to increase police visibility in most frequented areas, especially at night, to ensure safe, secure, and peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations.
These include the public plaza, Government Center grounds, Provincial Capitol Lagoon, Baywalk, and Yoyo Land, the resolution, also authored by Ang, listed.
“Statistics show that where there are many people gathered in an area especially at night time, criminal activities often occur,” Ang said. “To maintain security, peace, and order in these frequented areas and to ensure the safety of people, police visibility must be increased.”/CGC
