On October 29, 2024, the Angeles City Government, led by Mayor Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin Jr., launched the latest edition of the “Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas” project in Barangay Lourdes Northwest. This initiative encourages Angeleño households to actively practice waste segregation, specifically focusing on reducing plastic waste, while promoting community participation in environmental sustainability.
The core objective of the project is to motivate residents to segregate their waste at home, ensuring that recyclable plastics are properly disposed of, rather than contributing to pollution. By exchanging these plastics for rice, the program fosters responsible waste management and supports families with essential goods.
Chief Adviser IC Calaguas explained that the city government’s effort to combat plastic waste goes beyond simple recycling. The initiative allows residents to trade one kilo of recyclable plastics for one kilo of rice, providing a practical incentive for households to participate. The rice exchange offers both a food source and an environmental solution, benefiting both residents and the broader community.
In addition to providing rice, the collected plastics are repurposed into brick pavers. This innovative approach transforms waste into something useful, further supporting the city’s environmental goals. By converting plastics into durable building materials, the project contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of the city.
Environmental Management System Head Kiko Pangilinan supervised the plastic-to-rice exchange in Barangay Lourdes Northwest, ensuring the event was executed smoothly. Pangilinan emphasized that this initiative not only helps reduce plastic waste but also encourages Angeleños to take responsibility for their own environmental impact.
The project has gained support from various sectors, as it serves as a model for other localities in promoting waste segregation and recycling. Mayor Lazatin has expressed his commitment to expanding the program to other barangays, aiming to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city for future generations.
Overall, the Walang Plastikan – Plastik Palit Bigas Project exemplifies how innovative local governance can address environmental challenges while directly benefiting the community. Through waste segregation and the recycling of plastics, Angeles City continues to make significant strides toward a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious future.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
