Students from Silliman University’s College of Mass Communication recently concluded a two-month campaign to promote compliance with City Ordinance No. 231, which regulates the use of plastic bags in Dumaguete City.
They formally handed a copy of their information education and communication project to City Environment & Natural Resources Office coordinator Armand Adanza Oct. 12 at the City Hall. The group is composed of CMC students Diane Petersen, Ma. Joanna Rieza Pareja, Greena Cesa Pesalbon, Kristian Val Villanueva, Princess Jonalyn Caesar, and graduate student Hannah Faye Muralla. They were accompanied by their adviser, Dr. Rosario Baseleres, who teaches the EJ53/153 Communication Campaigns & Advocacy class.
Over the last two months, the group conducted several activities to raise awareness about the ordinance and encourage public compliance even before it took effect on August 28. The IEC campaign entitled “Towards a Plastic-free Dumaguete City” is composed of public service announcements aired over Silliman-on-Air (DYSR 95.1 Killerbee) and Klick Radio (Hibalag booth area during Silliman Founders’ celebration), a TV commercial broadcasted over Fil Products (during CMC’s Youth Talks and #SU block times), distribution of posters within the Silliman campus, and the distribution of brochures and selling of reusable bags at the Tabo market in Piapi.
The group also met with the Parent Teacher Associations of Negros Oriental High School and Piapi High School to discuss the ordinance’s objectives and penalties with the PTA members of the said schools. (Greena Cesa Pesalbon)
