On January 6, 2025, the Angeles City Government, led by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., continued its successful Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas Project in Barangay Agapito Del Rosario. This innovative program encourages households in the city to adopt waste segregation practices at the source while aiming to reduce, if not eliminate, the use of plastic materials.
The Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas initiative allows Angeleño families to exchange recyclable plastic waste for rice. Under this program, one kilo of recyclable plastic is equivalent to one kilo of rice, offering a unique incentive for residents to participate in waste reduction efforts. The initiative is designed to both address plastic pollution and support the community by providing a vital food source.
Chief Adviser to the Mayor, IC Calaguas, emphasized that the city government will collect recyclable plastics from participating households in exchange for rice. This exchange not only helps reduce plastic waste but also ensures that these materials are repurposed for more sustainable uses, such as being transformed into brick pavers.
The collected plastics will be processed and converted into durable brick pavers, which can then be used for public works projects. This approach contributes to the city’s efforts to create a cleaner environment while promoting the reuse of waste materials in meaningful ways.
Environmental Management System Head Kiko Pangilinan oversaw the plastic-to-rice exchange in Barangay Agapito Del Rosario. Pangilinan noted that the success of the program depends on the active participation of the community and the cooperation of residents in segregating their waste.
The Walang Plastikan initiative is part of Mayor Lazatin’s broader environmental program, which aims to make Angeles City a more sustainable place to live. Through programs like this, the city government is working to reduce waste, promote recycling, and encourage more responsible environmental practices among its citizens.
As the program continues to expand throughout the city, it reflects the administration’s commitment to both environmental protection and community welfare. By providing tangible benefits such as rice in exchange for recyclable plastics, the Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas Project not only tackles pollution but also provides practical solutions to food security for local families.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
