• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City government launched March 4 the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) program, which will tap sari-sari stores and carinderias in the collection of PET bottles and other recyclables.
The TEM program aims to transform sari-sari stores and eateries into vital collection points for recyclable materials.
“We are excited to launch the Tindahan Extra Mile program in Bacolod City, furthering our global commitment to plastic recycling and supporting partner micro-retailers,” Pablo Noriega, senior director for Franchise Operations at Coca-Cola Philippines, said at the launching of the program at the Bacolod Government Center Monday.
“Through an extensive network of collection points in sari-sari stores and carinderias, Bacolod residents can actively participate in the PET bottle recycling, while helping their favorite local micro-retail stores boost their income,” he added.
Noriega said there have been positive feedback from partner micro-retailers in Metro Manila on the TEM program impact on their community and livelihood. “We are optimistic that these benefits will also be experienced by our new partners here in Bacolod. We hope to witness the program fostering cleaner surroundings and inspiring positive behavioral change regarding plastic recycling.”
Mayor Alfredo Benitez expressed his full support for the program, adding the TEM is a testament to his administration’s commitment on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
“By mobilizing our local entrepreneurs and fostering community engagement, we are taking significant strides towards a greener and more sustainable Bacolod,” Benitez said in a city press release.
The program’s core objective is to promote waste segregation at source, making recycling more accessible and convenient for households and consumers, the city said, adding that by incentivizing participation and providing necessary support and resources, the initiative will not only address waste management challenges but will also stimulate economic opportunities within the community.
“As we launch the TEM program, we are not merely initiating a program, we are igniting a movement,” the mayor stressed.
Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, chairperson of the sanggunian Committee on Environment, who also attended the launching, said TEM “is a very good program which aims to grow business and increase income, especially for our sari-sari stores and carinderias.”
He said that these local businesses will be the frontline PET collection for recycling at source while contributing to the cleanliness of the community. “We do not only extend the life of these bottles, but also offer financial incentives for our partner storeowners. Through the Tindahan Extra Mile program, we commit to save the environment while helping our community one recyclable at a time.”
The program came about in collaboration with the Basic Environment Systems and Technology Inc. and Coca-Cola Philippines, and aims to transform waste management practices in the highly-urbanized city. | CGC
