MALOLOS CITY — The provincial capitol government has banned the use and sale of plastic bags in Bulacan.

The directive followed the signing of Panglalawigang Ordinansa 2012-09 which prohibited non-biodegradable bags, styrofoam and other kinds of plastics used as packaging materials in the 21 towns and three cities.

Under the measure, passed by the Sanguniang Panglalawigan through presiding officer Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and signed by Gov. Willy Sy-Alvarado, face penalties of up to P5,000 fine and one-year imprisonment.

The ordinance will be immediately enforced after the implementing rules and regulations are issued.

The ordinance was passed six months after Gov. Alvarado wrote the provincial board to create a provincial ordinance banning the use and sale of plastic bags in public markets.

An information drive will also be implemented in the 569 barangays of the province for the effective implementation of the ordinance.

The SM Supermalls in Baliwag and Marilao towns have spearheaded the implementation of the “no plastic “ policy and stopped using plastic bags in their retail chains instead promoting SM’s Eco-bags for shoppers at SM department stores, Hypermart and Savemore grocery stores as well.

Beverly Cruz and Gladiz May Latiza, external communications officers of SM Baliwag and Marilao, respectively, told Manila Standard that patrons are given incentive points in their SM Cards and discounts whenever they bring along and use their Eco-bags.