On February 17, 2025, the Angeles City Government, led by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., continued its innovative Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas project in Barangay Sto. Domingo. This ongoing initiative encourages Angeleño households to practice waste segregation and reduce plastic consumption while promoting environmental sustainability. The program aims to support both waste management and provide a sustainable food source for residents by exchanging recyclable plastics for rice.
Under this project, households in the city are urged to separate their recyclable plastics from other waste and bring them to designated collection points. For every kilo of recyclable plastic collected, one kilo of rice is provided in exchange. This initiative helps reduce plastic waste while addressing the ongoing challenges of food security for many families in the community.
Mayor Lazatin’s Chief Adviser, IC Calaguas, emphasized the dual benefits of this program—environmental sustainability and support for families in need. He highlighted that the collected plastics will not only be used to exchange for rice but will also be repurposed into brick pavers. These pavers will contribute to local infrastructure projects, further benefiting the community.
The Walang Plastikan project serves as an innovative way to reduce plastic waste, which is a growing environmental concern in urban areas. By repurposing the plastics into useful materials, such as brick pavers, the initiative is creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both the environment and the city’s residents.
Environmental Management System Head Kiko Pangilinan supervised the plastic-to-rice exchange in Barangay Sto. Domingo. His involvement ensured that the exchange process was conducted smoothly, with proper sorting and handling of the recyclable plastics. This hands-on approach further emphasizes the city’s commitment to environmental conservation and resource efficiency.
The success of the Walang Plastikan program is attributed to the active participation of Angeleño households, who are eager to take part in both environmental protection and community support. The city government continues to encourage more households to participate in this initiative, which is expected to have a long-term positive impact on waste management practices in the city.
In conclusion, the Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas program is a perfect example of how local governments can creatively address both environmental and social issues. Through this project, the city of Angeles is not only reducing plastic waste but also providing a valuable resource for families, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
