Councilor Patrick Alex Hagedorn wants Puerto Princesa to regain its recognition as one of the cleanest cities in the country, a title it first achieved during the term of his late uncle, former Mayor Edward Hagedorn.
He said many residents no longer follow City Ordinance No. 163-91, known as the Anti-Littering Ordinance.
“Tila nakalimutan na ito ng mamamayan at marami nang hindi sumusunod sa umiiral na City Ordinance No. 163-91 o mas kilala bilang Anti-Littering Ordinance sa lungsod ng Puerto Princesa,” Hagedorn said.
To address this, he filed a resolution at the City Council urging government offices such as City Oplan Linis, City Traffic Management Office (CTMO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO), and others to strengthen the enforcement of the ordinance.
The aim is to revive the people’s love for the environment by keeping the city clean and orderly and restoring Puerto Princesa’s image as a “Hall of Fame” awardee for “Cleanest and Greenest Component City.”
The resolution also includes the participation of the City Anti-Crime Task Force (ACTF), which was discussed in a meeting of the Committee on Public Order and Safety chaired by Hagedorn.
The meeting was attended by City Information Officer Richard Ligad, who also heads the ACTF, along with representatives from the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO), City Legal Office, and others.
Hagedorn further called for assigning personnel in litter-prone areas, putting up signage and public reminders, and producing information materials to support the resolution.
“Layon ng nasabing resolusyon na maibalik ang init ng pagmamahal sa kalikasan ng mga mamamayan ng lungsod sa pamamagitan ng pagpapanatili ng kalinisan, kaayusan at magandang imahe ng Puerto Princesa,” he added.
Under City Ordinance No. 163-91, violators face a fine of ₱200 for the first offense, ₱300 and possible imprisonment of more than a month for the second, and ₱1,000 plus up to two months in jail for the third.
The measure has passed the first reading and will be further discussed in the Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources and Waste Management and Disposal.
