One problem facing authorities after the election period is how to properly dispose of the mass of election paraphernalia collected during the post-election “Oplan Baklas” operations.
As most of these discarded election paraphernalia are composed of posters made from tarpaulins, the challenge is how to ensure that these tarpaulins do not end up in waterways, where they can clog up and cause major problems in the coming rainy season.
With this in mind, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in the Calabarzon region has urged local government units and the public to creatively repurpose discarded election tarpaulins.
EMB Calabarzon has recently issued an advisory highlighting the environmental risks associated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the primary material used in most election tarpaulins.
PVC is a type of plastic that does not biodegrade and often ends up in landfills, waterways, and urban areas, contributing to pollution and environmental hazards.
The EMB also provided several recommendations for recycling and repurposing election tarpaulins.
These materials can be cleaned, cut, and sewn into durable, reusable bags, as an alternative to single-use plastics. They may also serve as temporary covers for homes and structures, providing protection from heat and rain.
Additionally, the public is also encouraged to turn over old tarpaulin to local recyclers or have them delivered to central Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), where they can be processed into new materials and products, extending their usefulness beyond their original purpose.
This environmental campaign runs alongside with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of the “Oplan Baklas” initiative.
In Calabarzon, Police Regional Office (PRO) IV-A headed by Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas recently green-lit the operations to remove campaign posters and materials that were illegally posted throughout the region.
Director Lucas emphasized that, in support of these efforts, clean-up drives were also conducted to help prepare communities for the rainy season and reduce the risks associated with flooding and accumulated wastes.
“The implementation of Operation Baklas is not merely a simple removal of campaign materials. It forms part of our broader objective to ensure the cleanliness of our roads and public areas following the elections, as well as to conduct a clean-up drive within the vicinity of the camp in preparation for the rainy season and potential flooding,” Lucas said.
(With report from the Philippine Information Agency)
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