The city council has approved Ordinance 18, s. 2024 or the “Clean-As-You-Go Ordinance in the City of Baguio,” which aims to set right the usual practice of the customers/diners of leaving their tables as it is or messy and uncleaned after dining at food-serving establishments expecting the service crews do the cleaning of the dining area they used.
Clean-As-You-Go or “ClAyGo,” is dishing out or bussing out the dining area after using it, which is already a routine practice in other countries and other parts of the country.
The ordinance strengthens the commitment under Resolution 107, s. 2003 of the city government to instill positive values in all the sectors/members of the society for them to exhibit good citizenship.
As per the ordinance, ClAyGo will demonstrate good manners and right conduct through proper dining etiquette, hygiene, and the value of cleanliness by making it a habit. Aside from this, it will promote common courtesy to every customer as well as foster a collaborative effort between consumers and the food establishment personnel.
The ordinance covers all restaurants, fast food chains, cafeterias, eateries, bakeries, coffee shops, canteens, food outlets, and all similar food establishments and public eating places in the city.
Owners, proprietors, and/or managers are required to initiate and institutionalize measures and programs within their establishments to encourage the practice of ClAyGo by their customers.
They are duty-bound to ensure all diners clean up the tables or areas they used, including bringing or disposing of the items used in the designated bins or areas.
Any person who fails to comply with this provision shall be fined P500 for every violation.
The owners, proprietors, and/or managers shall also provide a minimum of three garbage bins for biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable materials as required under Ordinance 18, s. 2016 or the Environment Code of Baguio City and Ordinance 16, s. 2006 or the ordinance on solid waste management. These must be covered and lined with plastic and should neither be near the food preparation area nor the cooking area.
Any offender of this provision shall be fined P500 and be given a notice of violation for the first offense; a fine of P1,000 and a notice of violation on the second offense; and P2,000 and a notice of violation for the third and subsequent offenses.
They are also mandated to install signages and other promotional materials about the ordinance within the premises of their establishments, and to distribute educational posters from the city government; provide a designated depository area where customers can put their return trays and other used non-disposable tableware such as those made from ceramic, plastic, wood, metal, and glass; and provide basic cleaning supplies like tissue and washcloth near the depository areas.
Exempted from the coverage of the ordinance are fine dining restaurants that provide fancier menus, elegant or formal atmospheres, and food handling services as an added premium to their customers or diners.
To ensure compliance with the mandate of the ordinance, the City Health Services Office is tasked to conduct regular inspections of all the covered establishments, while the city’s Public Information Office shall cause the dissemination through social media and other means of circulation.
Diners and/or establishments are given a 90-day grace period to comply, which shall take effect in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended.
The city council approved Resolution 212, s. 2024 granting authority to City Mayor Benjamin Magalong representing the city government to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities Center for collaboration of research activities meant to improve air quality and sustainable urban mobility, reduce emissions from the transportation sector, and foster socio-economic development in the city.
The undertaking supports the ASEAN-German Cooperation project “Sustainable Design of Urban Mobility in Middle-sized Metropolitan Region in ASEAN,” which aims to promote better air quality and livable cities by translating knowledge into policies and actions that reduce air and climate pollutants, and emissions from transport, energy, and other sectors.
The project is for sustainable urban mobility by effectively tackling transport-related issues like congestion and pollution focusing on the mobility needs of people and businesses through integrated planning, mobility services, freight, and city logistics.
It also supports the city’s “Streets for Children” program which seeks to turn streets into child-friendly spaces through traffic control measures, pedestrian-friendly infrastructures, and the creation of dedicated play spaces that are safe and secure for children.
In Resolution 213, s. 2024, the city council expresses strong support for the passage into law of House Bill 8081 introduced by then Rep. Ralph Recto of the 6th District of Batangas, entitled “An Act Modifying the Salary Schedule for Civilian Government Personnel and Authorizing the Grant of Additional Benefits and for Other Purposes”.
The bill, which has been pending with the Committee on Appropriations since May 17, 2023, seeks to improve the purchasing power of approximately 2.46 million civil servants in the country eroded by inflation by providing salary increases for government officials and employees. It is also to attract and retain competent and committed civil servants and increase productivity among public sector workers.
Under the bill, the salary increase is equivalent to an across-the-board annual 10 percent increase for four years to alleviate the living conditions of 2.46 million public servants and to further motivate government personnel and invigorate public service.
The city council through Resolution 216, s. 2024 has sent a message of condolences of the officialdom and constituency of the city to the bereaved family of the late Robert Marcos Namoro, former board member of of Benguet, who died on March 27 at the age of 56.
Namoro, who devoted his life to public service and community development, finished his elementary education as a consistent honor pupil and graduated salutatorian in 1980 at Pico Elementary School, now Puguis ES. He finished secondary education in 1984 at the Mountain State Agricultural College and earned his Agriculture degree major in Horticulture in 1988 at Benguet State University, formerly MSAC.
He started public service as an appointed kagawad of Poblacion, La Trinidad, Benguet in 1996 and an elected kagawad the following year.
He assumed the position of punong barangay in July 2002 until three consecutive terms.
His exemplary efforts contributed to the recognition of their barangay as one of the most progressive and developed urban barangays in the Philippines.
He was recognized as “Best Performing Barangay Captain” in 2006 by the province during the Benguet Foundation Day, and as “Barangay Captain of the Year” by the Baguio Midland Courier. Under his leadership, their barangay received a national Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award for two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008.
During his second and third terms as punong barangay, he was elected president of the Liga ng mga Barangay and served as an ex-officio member of the municipal council.
He was elected board member of Benguet for three consecutive terms from 2007 to 2019 where he effectively chaired the Benguet Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Council; and as the vice chair of the Benguet Provincial Cooperative Development Council.
“Namoro’s unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and tireless service have left an indelible mark on the community he served, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” reads the resolution.
April 30, 2024
