INFANTA, Quezon — Mayor L.A. Ruanto has issued a strong warning against unruly tourists following the collection of large volumes of garbage along the Marilaque Road in Barangay Magsaysay during Black Saturday.

According to the mayor, the waste—consisting of empty bottles, cigarette butts, diapers, plastic containers, and food packaging—was gathered during the town’s 40th “Sabado ng Bayanihan Day,” a regular community-led cleanup activity participated in by local volunteers. The incident has sparked concern over the growing disregard for environmental responsibility among some visitors passing through the area.

Mayor Ruanto emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable, especially since the municipality strictly enforces Republic Act No. 9003, which prohibits littering in public spaces such as roads, sidewalks, parks, canals, and waterways. Violators may face fines and possible imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Establishments that fail to properly segregate biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable waste are also subject to penalties.

Taking a firmer stance, the mayor warned that repeat offenders—particularly tourists who show disrespect toward the environment and local community—may be declared persona non grata in Infanta. In a strong statement, he stressed that the town would not tolerate visitors who contribute to environmental degradation, asserting that such individuals are not a loss to the municipality’s tourism sector.

Beyond enforcement, the issue reflects a broader challenge in tourism: the balance between welcoming visitors and preserving local integrity. While tourism brings economic opportunities, irresponsible behavior threatens sustainability and places an unfair burden on local communities tasked with maintaining cleanliness and order.

The situation in Infanta serves as a reminder that tourism is not only about visiting places, but also about respecting them.

As more destinations face similar concerns, one question arises: Can tourism truly thrive if responsibility and respect for the environment are left behind?

(Larawan mula: L.A. RUANTO / Facebook)