• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez said 445,455 PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles were collected during the MassKara Festival, or from Oct. 11 to 27.
“Thanks to the efforts of our environment heroes, our rivers, streets, and dumpsites are now 445,455 PET bottle-free!” Benitez said in a statement Oct. 28, adding the bottles will be shipped to the recycling hub of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines in Cavite, for upcycling.
In March, the Bacolod city government and Coca-Cola signed an agreement on the launching of the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) program, which taps sari-sari stores and carinderias as vital collection points for recyclable materials.
The PET bottles collection campaign during the MassKara Festival resulted in the collection of 8,097.29 kg of plastic waste, the city said, adding it was a joint effort of the local government unit, Coca-Cola Philippines, the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, Yuhum Foundation, and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies Inc.
“To ensure that plastic waste generated during the festival is responsibly managed and recycled, 169 TEM bins were deployed across the city, supported by 108 concessionaires, with 21 barangays, 40 informal waste settlers, and 205 sweepers,” the city said.
Benitez thanked Coca-Cola Philippines for the support and for building on the success of the TEM program launched with BEST in March. “Now, with the help of BENRO and Yuhum Foundation, we’re working to ensure that every Bacolodnon and festival-goer understands the importance of proper waste disposal and environmental stewardship.” | CGC
