BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The Environmental Management Bureau in the Cordillera region (EMB-CAR) recently organized a recyclable collection event and plastic waste exchange to encourage people to protect the environment by addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges – solid waste.
In partnership with the Zero Waste Baguio, Tingi Station, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), and the City Government of Baguio, the EMB-CAR held the 10th Ecological Solid Waste Management and Sustainability Fair on April 27, 2025 at Malcolm Square, Baguio City.
The recyclable collection event featured the best recyclers in schools, community organizations, and barangays categories. The winners received incentives.
Plastic waste including wrappers and labels, regardless of brand, were exchanged for URC products.
EMB-CAR Regional Director Jean Borromeo emphasized the opportunity to reflect on the bigger picture that initiative must begin with local efforts.
“They start with individuals like you – students, parents, workers, and community leaders who care enough to show up, take action, and inspire others. As residents of Baguio, we can lead the way by practicing waste segregation, embracing eco-friendly alternatives, and supporting green initiatives in our city,” Borromeo said.
She also called on the public to cooperate and support initiatives to make Baguio a model of sustainability.
“Let us work hand in hand to make Baguio a model of sustainability — where our actions echo the spirit of Earth Day every single day. Together, we can prove that change is possible and that no effort is too small when it comes to saving our planet,” Borromeo said.
Xhemmara Khate Ramos, member of Youth for the Environment in School Organization at the Baguio City High School, shared that their efforts as a class led them to receive the Best Recyclers – School category.
“Weekly po kaming nagkakaroon ng collection ng mga residuals after ng klase, at kung may time pagkatapos ng class, inisa-isa po namin silang i-segregate at inaayos. Sana po magkaisa tayo sa 10 Rs. Hindi lang naman po ito para sa community, kundi para din po sa atin at sa future generations na darating,” Ramos said.
Maricel Marasigan, president of Barangay Salud Mitra Women’s Organization, mentioned that it is a collective effort to support the government even at the smallest action of organization.
“Sabi nga, ‘Sa basura may pera,’ at isa iyon sa mga proyekto ng Baguio kung saan mababasa ang basura sustainability, at mababawasan ang basura. Sa laki ng binabayaran ng ating gobyerno sa paghahakot ng basura, isa ito sa mga pamamaraan ng aming organisasyon upang makatulong kami sa city at mabawasan ang pagbabayad ng paghahakot ng basura. Bilang organisasyon na sumusuporta sa layunin ng siyudad ng Baguio, sa basurang ito, pwede pa nating i-recycle para mapakinabangan pa ulit at magamit pa natin sa susunod na pangangailangan,” Marasigan said.
This activity aimed at making tangible impact in addressing solid waste including plastic pollution was part of Earth Day activities in the city. (JDP/DEG/Aryan Joy Soliman-PIA-CAR, DMMMSU Intern)
