On November 20, 2024, the Angeles City Government, under Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., continued its successful “Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas” project in Barangay Lourdes Sur East. This innovative program aims to encourage Angeleño households to practice waste segregation at the source while reducing the use of plastics, promoting environmental sustainability in the community.
The core of the project is a simple yet effective exchange system: for every kilo of recyclable plastic collected from local households, residents receive one kilo of rice in return. This initiative not only provides a sustainable way to dispose of plastics but also addresses food security concerns by helping residents with basic needs. The program’s focus is on creating an incentive for people to segregate waste properly and reduce plastic consumption in their daily lives.
Chief Adviser IC Calaguas, who was present during the event, explained that the city government is committed to collecting recyclable plastics from the residents and ensuring they are properly repurposed. He emphasized that this initiative is part of the city’s broader environmental goals and efforts to eliminate or significantly reduce plastic use within the community.
The collected plastics will be repurposed and turned into brick pavers, providing an eco-friendly solution that benefits both the environment and the local community. These pavers can be used for infrastructure projects or improvements in various parts of the city, further contributing to the city’s development while recycling waste materials.
The “Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas” project also aligns with the city’s commitment to supporting the environment and promoting responsible waste management. The initiative is one of many under Mayor Lazatin’s leadership that seeks to engage the community in sustainable practices and make a lasting impact on both the environment and the livelihoods of residents.
Environmental Management System Head Kiko Pangilinan supervised the exchange event in Barangay Lourdes Sur East, ensuring that the process went smoothly and that residents understood how to participate. Pangilinan’s leadership in overseeing the distribution of rice and collection of plastics was crucial to the project’s success.
As the program continues to expand, the city government plans to implement similar initiatives in other barangays. Mayor Lazatin remains dedicated to fostering a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Angeles City through programs like the “Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas” project, which not only helps reduce waste but also provides tangible benefits for the community.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
