By Nimfa Estrellado Residents of Tayabas City recently came together to participate in a plastic waste for rice exchange program, demonstrat...
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| Residents of Tayabas City recently came together to participate in a plastic waste for rice exchange program, demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. (Photo from CICRO Tayabas) |
TAYABAS CITY, Quezon — Aiming to combat the mounting issue of plastic waste, Tayabas City, Quezon, has exceeded expectations in its innovative program that exchanges plastic waste for rice. Over two days, August 1 and 2, residents turned in a remarkable 5,494 kilograms (over 5.4 metric tons) of plastic waste, receiving 2,747 kilograms of rice in return.
The Palit Basura Project, launched in 2020 and now a cornerstone of the city’s waste management strategy, has seen consistent growth in community participation. This latest success, which exceeded all expectations, is a testament to the growing environmental consciousness among residents, according to city officials.
"The enthusiastic participation we witnessed in this caravan is a testament to the community's dedication to a cleaner, greener Tayabas City," said a representative from the General Services Office-Environmental Solid Wastes Management Unit (GSO-ESWMU), the agency overseeing the project.
The collected plastic will be sent to a recycling plant in Antipolo City, reinforcing the city's commitment to sustainable waste management practices.
Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso, who has championed the project since taking office, expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support of the community and partners. "The success of this program is a collective effort," she said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in building a more sustainable future for Tayabas City.
The impressive exchange rate – roughly two kilograms of plastic for one kilogram of rice – is a significant incentive for residents, many of whom struggle with rising food prices. This unique approach to waste management not only addresses environmental concerns but also provides tangible benefits to the community.
While the program has been lauded for its innovative approach, some experts caution that it is not a silver bullet for the global plastic waste crisis. They emphasize the importance of reducing plastic consumption at the source and implementing more comprehensive waste management strategies.
Nevertheless, the Palit Basura Project serves as a model for other cities grappling with the challenges of waste management and environmental sustainability. Its success demonstrates that creative solutions, combined with strong community engagement, can lead to significant progress in tackling the plastic waste problem.
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