The strategic collaboration between WWF and Eco Kolek took a significant stride forward with the "Tamang Isip at Gawi sa Pamamahala ng Basura para sa Malinis at Ligtas na Pamayanan" (Solid Waste Management Training), hosted at Riverside Hotel and Resort, Bgy. Marangas, Bataraza, Palawan from October 18 to 20, 2023.
This transformative event was meticulously designed to instill a deeper understanding of the critical nuances of effective waste management and its profound implications for environmental sustainability.
The training session, expertly facilitated by Eco Kolek's Administration and Finance Manager, Jofer Malolos, and MEL Officer/Capacity Building Specialist, Jan Aldwin Bermeo, was strategically designed to achieve a set of well-defined objectives. These objectives encompassed the imperative task of elevating participants' awareness regarding the detrimental consequences of inadequate waste management and plastic pollution.
Moreover, the training aimed to equip attendees with practical and sustainable waste management methodologies that could be seamlessly integrated into their daily routines, both in their professional and personal capacities.
A crucial component of the training involved guiding the participants through the process of evaluating and formulating their individualized solid waste management plans. By delving into the intricacies of waste management, the participants were empowered to identify key challenges and devise strategic plans tailored to their specific requirements.
The envisioned output of this training was to enable the participants to emerge with comprehensive and actionable solid waste management plans, serving as comprehensive guides in the seamless execution of their waste management initiatives.
The collaborative efforts between WWF and Eco Kolek symbolize a powerful alliance dedicated to driving sustainable change and fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and responsible waste management practices within local communities. This initiative stands as a resounding testament to the collective determination to build a greener and cleaner future, one step at a time.
by Shellemai Roa
After an enriching month-long participation in the YSEALI Professional Fellowship program in Coppell, Texas, I recently had the distinct privilege of visiting the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC. It was an honor to meet with His Excellency Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez, the esteemed Philippine Ambassador to the United States. Our discussions revolved around the impactful work being done in the Philippines, with a particular focus on our fellowship insights and the critical significance of the Plastic Treaty, a pivotal UN initiative addressing plastic pollution and recognizing the crucial role of informal waste collectors in sustainable waste management. The Ambassador's keen interest in this global issue, especially within the context of climate change, was evident and deeply encouraging.
During the meeting, I had the opportunity to present the progressive strides of our Eco Kolek program, which has extended its reach beyond Puerto Princesa to encompass various Palawan LGUs, including Kalayaan and Cagayancillo, as part of our ongoing pilot initiatives. We explored the potential for fostering stronger collaboration and developing robust programs aimed at empowering informal waste collectors as professionalized Eco Warriors, engaging them as community advocates working in tandem with LGUs to promote source-segregated waste management. The Ambassador expressed unwavering support and enthusiasm for further collaboration, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in these crucial initiatives.
The resounding message echoed by our esteemed Philippine Ambassador, alongside my esteemed mentor Luay Rahil, MBA of the City of Coppell, Dr. Sam Potolicchio of the Center for Global Leadership, and Diendre Combs of Combs and Company, emphasized the significance of applying the knowledge acquired during this fellowship to drive positive change within our home country.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Philippine Embassy to the US, the US Department of State, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program, and ICMA - International City/County Management Association for their invaluable support and the connections that continue to fuel our mission for a sustainable future.
#RecyclingJourney #Sustainability #Innovation #WasteManagementExcellence #CollaborativePartnerships #EnvironmentalStewardship
by: Shellemai Roa
Today, our team was privileged to embark on a captivating journey through the intricacies of the Republic Services Recycling facility, a renowned Material Recovery Facility in North Texas. This immersive experience provided us with a firsthand glimpse into the sophisticated processes involved in receiving commingled materials and the intricate mechanisms employed to sort and compact materials, preparing them for downstream transportation to various recycling units.
The visit proved to be an enriching educational venture, offering us a plethora of valuable insights and reflections. The opportunity to witness these operations up close has instilled in us a profound appreciation for the innovative concepts, methodologies, and sustainable strategies that can significantly enhance the framework of Eco Kolek's business models in the Philippines. These insights are set to bolster our collaborative initiatives with the City Government, municipal units, academic institutions, businesses, local communities, and other vital stakeholders, reinforcing our commitment to the principle of collective partnerships.
Our experience this morning stands as a testament to the critical role played by partnerships between the public and private sectors within the waste management landscape. These collaborations serve as catalysts for the creation of mutually beneficial solutions, fostering a positive impact on all those involved.
Post our insightful tour, we engaged in a fruitful discussion session led by the esteemed Luay Rahil. The session revolved around brainstorming innovative strategies and models aimed at advancing our community-centric approaches and maximizing the utilization of our existing resources and stakeholder networks. This marks the initial phase of an exhilarating journey that lies ahead for us.
Stay tuned as we continue to uncover new avenues and best practices in our ongoing pursuit of sustainable waste management practices and environmental stewardship.
#RecyclingJourney #Sustainability #Innovation #WasteManagementExcellence #CollaborativePartnerships #EnvironmentalStewardship