QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and eco-solutions company Green Antz Builders, Inc., recently unveiled a modern recycling facility in Pasig City.
The P14 million ($248,000) facility is part of the U.S. government’s commitment to fighting ocean plastic pollution.
“Finding solutions to the challenge of ocean plastic pollution requires innovation, creativity, and the strong commitment of government, private sector, and community partners,” USAID Environment Office Director Ryder Rogers said.
Rogers added that the U.S. government stands with the Philippines in building an inclusive economy and exploring innovative solutions to achieving cleaner oceans.
Located in Barangay Manggahan, the modern recycling facility- also called a Community EcoHub, allows on-site waste collection and composting of up to one ton of organic waste per day. The facility can also upcycle low-value plastic waste, such as sachets and plastic bags, into durable eco-bricks and pavers suitable for constructing homes and other structures. Through its Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, USAID was able to provide Green Antz Builders, Inc. with waste collection electronic vehicles and equipment.
“We have built more than 20 EcoHubs with private partners over the years, but our goal for this Community EcoHub is to establish an effective waste management program that can be adapted and replicated by other local governments,” said Rommel Benig, CEO and founder of Green Antz Builders, Inc.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said that the Community EcoHub supports his local government’s goal of promoting sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
In the long term, the Pasig City government will take over the operation of the recycling facility, reinforcing its sustainability and impact on the city’s solid waste management and economy.
Launched in 2019, USAID’s five-year, CCBO program addresses the crisis of ocean plastics pollution in rapidly urbanizing countries. In the Philippines, USAID has awarded around P150 million ($2.7 million) to several organizations to implement programs that improve plastic waste collection, reduction, and recycling. (USAID/PIA-NCR)
USAID Environment Office Director Rogers, Pasig City Mayor Sotto, Vice Mayor Jaworski, Barangay Captain-elect Quin Cruz (3rd from right), Mr. Benig, Rep. Romulo, and barangay personnel pose in front of eco-friendly bricks and pavers made out of 17% shredded plastic waste. (Photos courtesy of Embassy of US in the Philippines)
