Bacolod eyes ‘greenlanes’ in stores to cut plastic use

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya has announced the city’s plan to introduce “greenlanes” in grocery stores and supermarkets as part of its effort to reduce plastic waste.

In a recent media interview, Gasataya said he met with 45 grocery store owners and operators to discuss the initiative, which received encouraging feedback.

The proposed greenlanes will serve customers who bring their own reusable bags, allowing them to check out through a dedicated, faster lane.

“This is much easier and more convenient for them,” the mayor said.

While participating store owners have already committed to support the program without a formal directive, Gasataya said he will issue an executive order to make it official.

“This is just the beginning of our broader efforts to protect the environment,” he added, noting plans to expand the initiative to public markets, department stores, and the Bacolod City Government Center.

Gasataya also mentioned the possibility of incentivizing businesses that actively reduce plastic waste and disclosed ongoing discussions about banning plastic bottles at the BCGC.

Employees may soon be encouraged to bring their own tumblers, pending consultations.

The city’s anti-plastic campaign builds on City Ordinance No. 562, authored by Councilor Em Ang in 2011, which regulates the use, sale, and provision of plastic bags as packaging materials in Bacolod.