Year: 2026 | Month: April | Volume: 13 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 411-417
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260441
Stop the Plastikan natin, Baguio! Environmental Communication Plan Towards Zero Single- Use Plastic Bag in Baguio City
Clarissa- Mae G. Ebba
Graduate School, University of the Philippines- Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
ABSTRACT
This paper presents a strategy aimed at reducing and ultimately help eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags (SUPBs) within Baguio City, Philippines, particularly focusing on public markets. The campaign responds to observed persistent challenges in enforcing City Ordinance 35 s. 2017 ('The Plastic and Styrofoam-Free Baguio Ordinance').
The communication strategy employs a Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) framework. The primary target audiences are Public Market-Goers and Public Market-Vendors, with secondary focus on the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR). The General Objective is to improve knowledge and increase participation among market-goers and vendors regarding the zero single-use plastic bag goal in Baguio City within a six-month period.
Key strategies involve Environmental Education (via video presentations and publication materials emphasizing global/local plastic pollution, photodegradation time, and effects on soil, water, and the food chain); Advertisement and Public Relations (through news articles in local media outlets and public postings of the city ordinance); and Promotion of alternatives (such as eco-bags, soluble plastic bags, and bayong). A practical component includes a workshop for market-goers and vendors on making reusable bags, which could also serve as an income source.
Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation will be conducted through a comprehensive online survey after six months, assessing factors such as frequency of SUPB usage, awareness of environmental impact, and attitudes toward reusable alternatives. Weekly checking will also be conducted to monitor implementation and ensure the plan stays on track. The campaign utilizes existing macro-policies (RA 9003) and micro-policies (City Ordinance 35 s. 2017) as enabling mechanisms
Keywords: Single Use Plastic, Environment, Plastic Bags, Baguio City
[PDF Full Text]