In the afternoon of 10 December 2019, a young social entrepreneur by the name of Von Alvaro Payumo asked for a meeting with PAGASA Pres. STC to explore his idea of a solution in helping  customers remember to reuse their ecobags with the help of an App. They are in the stage of producing their prototype and need to interview supermarkets to find our what is needed on the platform that they are creating. Von was introduced to PAGASA via Member Rembrandt Tolentino.      

Another Congressional Hearing on plastic bags was held on 10 December 2019 chaired by bill proponent Rep. Jose Maria Clemente “Joey” Sarte Salceda of Albay’s 2 nd District who also held the position of Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means. He proposed that a P10 tax/kilo be charged to manufacturers of plastic bags so the government can collect more taxes. With his usual witty and humorous style of managing his meets, he quickly ended the hearing by slapping a P20 tax for every kilo of plastic manufactured. He says consumers will not notice this since they may or may not be passed on this increase in operating expenses by manufacturers and retailers! Photo at the end of session includes Mother Earth Foundation’s Sonia Mendoza, Rep. Joaquin Chipeco Jr. of Calamba and DENR Usec. Benny D. Antiporda who is in charge of solid waste management and local government units concerns.  

On 3 December 2019, PAGASA held its Christmas Party at High Street Cafe of Shangri-la at the Fort.  The Affair was a festive one as the new set of Board of Directors elected the new officers of the Association for 2019-2021 just  before the broke bread with each other in wishing 2020 to be a great year for retailing.

The new Board Members set a meeting on 3 December 2019 just before the Christmas Party of PAGASA to determine the new set of Officers for 2019-2021.  Elected President once more is Steven T. Cua of Welcome Supermart but to be added to him is the position of Executive Director. Retained as Vice President is Liansel Sy of Liana’s Supermarket. Jon Mykel Teodoro of Velamart retains his position as the Club’s Treasurer. Association Secretary is Edna Ontiveros/Candice Megamart in Tuguegarao and P.R.O. is Alfie Gatmaytan of Kiko Mart.    

The House of Congress set another follow-up Meeting for plastic bags on 1 December 2019 to hasten review on the issue before the year ends.