BANGUED, Abra (PIA) — Giant Christmas trees made out of rubbish and recycled materials make a beautiful sight at the Bangued West Central School (BWCS) in this town.
Everything from used egg trays, plastic spoons and forks, plastic bottles, to used tarpaulins are turned into Christmas trees for the holiday season. They stand about 15 feet tall and weigh around 100 kilos.
This project of the school and the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) was able to lessen a significant amount of solid waste in the community.
PTA member Marianne Dimaano from Barangay Bariquir said the success of their Christmas tree project is a glimmer of hope for the local community to take responsibility in taking care of the environment.
“Mahigit 60 kilos na plastic spoons ang ginamit namin dito, mostly galing sa school canteen at may galing din sa mga fast food restaurants noong nagkulang. Sana gayahin din ng ibang schools,” she said in an interview.
Dimaano and her colleagues at the Grade 4 PTA won first place in the Christmas tree competition.
For the Grade 5 PTA that placed second, they used old egg trays to build their giant Christmas tree.
“Nag-usap kami na tray ng itlog ang gagamitin dahil halos araw araw na itlog naman ang kinakain ng mga anak naming, kaya ‘yon ang available na materials para sa Christmas tree,” she said.
BWCS Program Coordinator Dexter Daria said that the recycled Christmas trees on display will not be disposed but will used continuously since those where judged also on sustainability.
For the past two years, BWCS has organized recycled Christmas tree competition among the PTA of the different grade levels. The goal is to raise awareness about the impact of solid waste and to show to learners and their parents that it can be fun, easy and exciting to make.
This supports the government campaign to reduce plastic waste under the Solid Waste Management Act. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)
