Eco Kolek advances city-wide expansion, initiates circular economy integration in Sta. Monica and Irawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Project Zacchaeus (PZC) commenced the territorial expansion of its community-based waste recovery infrastructure on May 18, initiating formal policy discussions with the local government units of Barangay Sta. Monica and Barangay Irawan.

Establishing an operational baseline

Eco Kolek Operations Manager Dennis Creach S. Barcelona and Deputy Operations Officer Ronel Rodriguez led the initial coordination meetings. The technical briefings engaged seven local officials in Barangay Irawan and two officials in Barangay Sta. Monica.

During the presentations, PZC management outlined the mechanics of its waste diversion system, focusing specifically on recyclable material recovery, localized circular economy practices, and the mobilization of a professionalized frontline workforce.

The primary objective of these preliminary meetings is to secure local government approval prior to deploying physical recovery assets and public education campaigns. By formalizing partnerships at the barangay level, the program ensures that grassroots interventions are legally supported and institutionally maintained by local leadership.

Transitioning from pilot to city-wide model

Officials from both barangays recognized the operational benefits of the proposed waste management framework. The local leaders indicated receptiveness to integrating the Eco Kolek model within their jurisdictions to resolve mounting solid waste concerns and mitigate plastic pollution.

For institutional partners and policymakers, the successful initiation of dialogue in Sta. Monica and Irawan indicates a critical transition phase. It marks the progression of the Eco Kolek operations from localized pilot testing into a scalable, city-wide environmental governance model capable of standardizing plastic recovery across Puerto Princesa.

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