Bago City has pioneered the implementation of a community-based waste-to-cash program in Negros Occidental in a bid to boost its environment protection and preservation efforts, particularly in reducing plastic waste.
Dubbed “Aling Tindera Plastic Waste to Cash,” the program is in partnership with impact organization Friends of Hope Inc. (FHI) and Germany-based development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
It aims to provide an avenue where people can monetize plastic waste, to encourage discipline in the treatment of post-consumer plastics, reduce leakage into the environment and educate future generations about the benefits of co-processing, recycling and other high-level waste management processes, a press release from Bago City said.
Vice Mayor Ramon Torres, along with other local officials and representatives of partner-organizations, led the launching of the project at barangays Ma-ao and Poblacion on Tuesday, June 18.
Two “Aling Tindera” waste collection stations are located near the city’s sanitary landfill at Sitio Pandan in Barangay Ma-ao and beside the fish port at the Bantayan Park in Barangay Poblacion.
Aling Tindera Program Coordinator Mia Rosabel Grace Azurin said the plastic pollution crisis is primarily driven by the use of single-use plastics like sachets and the Philippines is one of the worst offenders on marine pollution.
Azurin said the collection program aims to help the community manage their own plastic waste at home, at the same time give additional income to the designated “Aling Tinderas” who will manage the waste collection stations as well as to their respective community members.
The “Aling Tindera” stations will buy plastic sachets, packaging materials and containers, among other plastic waste from the residents at P2 per kilo, she said, adding that the partner-organizations will then buy it from the stations at P2.50 per kilo.
“It’s a big milestone today as the vision of Bago City comes alive and we are happy to be part of it,” GIZ – 3RproMAR Project Manager Dr. Johannes Paul said.
Torres stressed the importance of working hand in hand in the protection and conservation of environment by supporting programs like the “Aling Tindera” that will help address plastic pollution.
City Environment Management Office (CEMO) Head Vicente Mesias said they are eyeing more “Aling Tindera” stations in the city. The project will surely have positive social and environmental impacts to the community, he said.
Bago also inaugurated its Sanitary Landfill Expansion Site at Barangay Ma-ao on Tuesday.
The P50-million expansion project includes a new material recovery facility, a new water treatment facility, a septic vault for hazardous waste, compost pits, storm drains, and an administrative building.
Mesias said the four-hectare expansion site, in addition to the existing eight-hectare facility, is expected to cater to more waste generated in the city.
The launching of the “Aling Tindera Plastic Waste to Cash” program as well as the blessing and inauguration of the Sanitary Landfill Expansion Site are part of the city’s Environment Month celebration.
This year’s theme is “Our Land. Our Future. #GenerationRestoration.”
Also present during the activity were Councilors Ma. Josefa Matti, Jake Patrick Torres Ma. Femmy Alvarez – Martir and Carlos Mondia, ABC President Jovito Gahaton, Executive Assistant Jom Somcio and former councilor Jorge Araneta.*