On December 9, 2024, the Angeles City Government, led by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., continued its Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas Project at the Pampang Public Market. This initiative is designed to promote waste segregation at the source among vendors and reduce, or even eliminate, the use of plastic materials. The project aligns with the city’s broader environmental goals and its push for sustainable waste management practices.
The Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas Project is a creative approach that incentivizes market vendors to separate their recyclable plastics from other waste. In exchange for their efforts, one kilogram of collected recyclable plastic is traded for one kilogram of rice. This unique program encourages active participation from the local community, while also contributing to environmental conservation.
Chief Adviser IC Calaguas highlighted that this marks the first time the city government has collected recyclable plastics from vendors at Pampang Public Market. The program not only serves as an innovative method to address plastic waste but also strengthens the city’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being. By engaging local vendors in this initiative, the city is promoting environmental awareness and shared responsibility.
The plastics collected from the market will be repurposed into brick pavers, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials. This step aligns with the city’s efforts to create value from waste, turning discarded items into useful products. The project, therefore, contributes to waste reduction and supports the city’s infrastructure needs at the same time.
Mayor Lazatin’s initiative has been welcomed by market vendors and residents alike, who recognize the dual benefit of receiving rice while contributing to waste management. This program has the potential to foster a culture of eco-friendly practices within the community, making sustainability a part of daily life.
The city government is hopeful that this project will set a precedent for similar programs in other public markets and communities across Angeles City. By encouraging vendors and residents to participate in waste reduction, the city aims to build a more eco-conscious society that values sustainability.
Moving forward, Mayor Lazatin and his administration are committed to further enhancing environmental initiatives. The success of the Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas Project serves as a reminder of how innovative programs can address pressing environmental issues while also meeting the immediate needs of the community. This initiative reinforces the city’s vision of a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Angeles City.
Source : Angeles City Information Office
