LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- For the safety of commuters, this municipality has banned the shredding of dried tiger grass seeds along the national highway.

In Sablan town here, local officials have agreed to prohibit shredding of the local “boi-boi” or tiger grass seeds.

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“The shredding of the seeds from the dried tiger grass can irritate passers-by, commuters, residents and even cause vehicular accidents,” the town council said in a resolution.

In an ordinance authored by Councilor Caridad Juanitas and unanimously approved by the legislative body, the shredding of local grass was a banned along the stretch of the Naguilian Road (Quirino Highway) in the name of safety.

Juanitas said the ban is “to protect and safeguard the health of passers-by and commuters as well as Sablan residents along the national road.”

Tiger grass, locally called “boi-boi” in the Cordillera, is the raw material in making soft brooms. Growing tiger grass is considered a viable venture because of its potential in generating income from the harvested panicles of the plant once proper management is employed.

Its stalks form part of the broom handle, which has become one of the sources of income for locals.

The leaves are linear, five centimeters wide and 30 centimeters long, the tiger grass is being propagated by upland farmers in parts of the province, it also grows abundantly in the highland areas of Ifugao and Mt. Province.

A fine for offenders of the new ordinance was pegged at P1,000 for second time offenders and P1,500 for third time violators, community service is likewise required for first time offenders applying to all persons, residents and non-residents of the town. (Maria Elena Catajan)