Councilor Vladimir Cayabas has proposed an ordinance seeking to reduce food waste in Baguio City by promoting efficient consumption, recovery, and composting practices among households, business establishments, schools, and offices.
The proposed Anti-Food Wastage Ordinance declares it a policy of Baguio City to promote the efficient consumption of food resources and minimize wastage in support of the city’s call for a circular economy. It will apply to all households, food business establishments, schools, and both public and private offices within the city.
The ordinance defines food waste as any edible item intended for human consumption that is discarded including plate waste or uneaten food served to customers. It distinguishes between edible food waste which is safe and suitable for consumption but thrown away and inedible food waste which includes naturally inedible parts such as peels, shells, and bones.
To achieve its goal, the measure provides several mechanisms including the conduct of information and education campaigns to address factors that lead to food wastage, the integration of food waste reduction lessons in school curricula, and the development of food waste tracking systems for households and business establishments. It also urges restaurants and food outlets to adopt proper methods for disposing of leftovers in line with the city’s Environment Code.
Furthermore, the ordinance mandates the establishment of barangay-level biodegradable waste management facilities, strengthens partnerships for composting and fertilizer production from food waste, and requires all food business establishments, schools, and offices to display signages reminding the public of the provisions of the ordinance and the importance of responsible food consumption.
An Implementing and Oversight Committee will be created to lead the information campaign, draft implementation guidelines, and monitor compliance. The committee will be chaired by the City Mayor, with the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office as vice chair, and representatives from the City General Services Office, City Health Services Office, City Veterinary and Agriculture Office, Liga ng mga Barangay, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Education, and the Baguio City People’s Council as members.
To support implementation, the measure appropriates P300,000.00 annually from the city’s general fund to cover the conduct of meetings, consultations, orientations, and other activities necessary to carry out the ordinance’s objectives.
The proposed ordinance has been approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council and referred to the Committee on Health and Sanitation, Ecology, and Environmental Protection for review. **Jordan G. Habbiling
