As an inititative to go eco-friendly by reducing plastic use in the Roxas Night Market, Mass Communication students launched the Roxas Eco Market campaign in collaboration with Davao City Environment & Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and Ecoteneo.

With hashtags #TamaNaAngPlastikan and #RoxasEcoMarket, the social media challenge encourages everyone to go plastic-free in Roxas Night Market. Anyone can join by posting a picture of themselves using substitutes for plastics such as eco bag, metal straw, tumbler, or baonan, on Facebook or Instagram.

CENRO officer Mark Anthony Gumban expressed his support in the initiative, as CENRO also has the Information Education Communication (IEC) campaign, which aims to inform the Davaoeños about solid waste management. Solid waste management is the top 3 priority of Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.

Gumban said that while there are no ordinances on the banning of single-use plastics (SUPs), the city has Ordinance No. 0361-10 s. 2010, “The Davao City Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2009”.

“As of now, under the city gorvernment, wala pa po tayong law on single-use plastic… ang sa’tin lang po meron lang po tayo ‘nung banning of non-biodegradable or styro as a food container,” Gumban said.

He explained how on Section 7 of the ordinance, only recyclable, biodegradable or reusable containers are allowed to be used as a food and beverage containers.

Mass Communication Chairperson Christine Faith Avila also shared her delight in partnering with CENRO.

“We are very willing to partner with you [CENRO] because the environment is also part of the plans of Ateneo… One of the things that we want to impart to Ateneo students is that… it’s not only about learning the theories, but really imparting something to the society,” Avila said.

On the ban of SUPs, Ecoteneo Dir. Carmela Santos said that the ban should not be regarded with a negative attitude.

“While the single-use plastics ban sounds negative na ban, we’re really coming from a place of care, parang ‘nung umpisa ng Laudato Si… Normally ‘pag sinasabing environment puros problems… parang doomsday scenario. But Laudato Si started with what amazes us, or what do we find beautiful, what can we reconnect with in nature. ‘Yun yung attitude sana,” Santos stressed.

Winners of a ‘special prize’ in the Roxas Eco Market campaign will be announced on the first week of March.