Angeles City residents can now exchange collected plastic waste for rice through the new Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas Project, launched at the City Hall Compound. The initiative was spearheaded by Mayor Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin Jr., who instructed the city’s Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer, Irish Bonus-Llego, to set up a dedicated redemption booth to make the project more accessible to the community.
To participate, residents must bring a valid ID to verify their residency in Angeles City. The redemption booth, open from 8 AM to 5 PM every Monday through Thursday, allows Angeleños to swap recyclable plastic for rice, with one kilo of plastic equivalent to one kilo of rice.
The program aims to encourage local households to segregate their waste and promote environmental responsibility by reducing plastic consumption. By incentivizing the recycling of plastics, the city hopes to minimize the environmental impact of plastic waste and foster sustainable practices within the community.
Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas is part of a broader initiative to improve waste management in Angeles City. It serves as a reminder to residents that their everyday actions, such as segregating plastic waste, can contribute to both cleaner streets and better living conditions through practical solutions.
In an effort to ensure transparency and fairness, the city government has implemented clear guidelines for the redemption process, ensuring that all participating households are able to benefit from the program equitably. By participating, residents not only help reduce plastic waste but also receive an essential commodity like rice in exchange.
The program also plays a crucial role in fostering a stronger sense of community as residents work together to combat waste and contribute to the sustainability goals of the city. With the success of the initiative, officials hope to extend the program and reach even more areas in the future.
Chief Adviser IC Calaguas emphasized that the program serves a dual purpose: promoting environmental consciousness and providing economic relief. By collecting recyclable plastics, the city hopes to encourage responsible waste disposal while simultaneously alleviating some of the burdens that come with rising living costs for local families.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
