Refresher Course Prepares Pioneer Eco Warriors to Mentor New Members as Eco Kolek Expands

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Twenty-one Eco Warriors from the first three batches of the PZC-Eco Kolek Program completed a one-day refresher course in Barangay Sicsican on August 8, 2026, revisiting the principles of safety, wellness, circular economy, inclusivity, and servant leadership as they prepare to mentor new Eco Warriors in the program's expansion to other barangays.

Held at the Multipurpose Hall in Purok Firetree, the course was designed to reinforce the knowledge and values that guide the Eco Warriors' daily work in waste collection and community engagement. Six PZC-Eco Kolek staff members facilitated the sessions, which combined discussions, group activities, role-plays, and peer sharing.

Ms. Joycee Oliverio opened the program with an overview of the course. Mr. Ronnel Rodriguez then led a refresher on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during house-to-house collection, presenting the complete set of gloves, mask, reflective vest, hat, and boots. Eco Warrior Melody Seriosa demonstrated how to wear each item properly while discussing its importance and the risks of working without it. Oliverio followed with a review of Department of Health guidelines, including safe lifting, proper waste segregation and handling, and correct glove removal.

Safety beyond the physical

Ms. Ma. Iris Darline F. Cacal broadened the discussion to mental well-being. After distinguishing between stress and stressors, she guided participants in small groups to identify the pressures they face in their work—among them unpredictable weather, extreme heat during operations, dogs in household partners' homes, unsegregated waste from some households, and the challenge of balancing their responsibilities as Eco Warriors with their roles as mothers and wives.

"Safety is not only physical—it's also about mental health," Cacal said. She introduced practical techniques for managing stress, including deep breathing, short stretching breaks, hydration, rest days, and positive thinking, and closed the session by leading participants in a breathing exercise.

Ms. Ihra Derial reinforced these lessons through role-plays in which groups acted out both inappropriate and appropriate responses to scenarios encountered during house-to-house collection. Each performance was followed by reflection on what should be done differently, with Derial emphasizing the role of peer support in sustaining everyone's wellness.

Reinforcing the circular economy

In the afternoon, Oliverio and Derial facilitated the "Waste Loop Game," in which participants passed a card to music and, when the music stopped, explained how a given waste item could be made useful again. Cacal then revisited the distinction between the linear and circular economy, and Oliverio led a group exercise on the 10Rs of circular practice, with each group defining two principles and providing real-life examples. Oliverio concluded that when waste cannot be avoided, it must be reduced.

Voices from the field

Mr. Allan Gabinete facilitated a case study session titled "Circular Economy in Action," inviting Eco Warriors to reflect on their experiences in the program.

Eco Warrior Mary Ann Abrina spoke of the program's effect on her health and livelihood. "Dati nasa bahay lang ako at may iniinda pero dito napansin kong mas naging masigla ako at napabilis ang recovery ko. Natutuwa rin ako kasi sa pamamagitan nito nadagdagan ang income ko, talagang minahal at inalagaan tayo," she said.

Kent James Fernandez recalled the physical burden of collecting recyclables before joining the program. "Nagpapasalamat ako sa Eco Kolek kasi dati noong hindi pa kami Eco Warrior, sobrang bibigat talaga ng mga kalakal tapos pinapasan lang namin 'yon saka masakit sa tuhod. Kaya noong nalaman namin ang tungkol sa Eco Kolek, sumali talaga kami. Malaki ang naitulong sa amin ng mga ipinahiram nilang topdown. Kaya kapag may mga activity ay pumupunta talaga kami para masuklian man lang," he said.

For Melody Seriosa, the role has become an opportunity to educate her neighbors. "Alam naman natin ang problema dito, basura, kaya ang naging solusyon ko ang Eco Warrior. Hindi ko talaga linya ang pangangalakal at may naririnig pa ako na 'Naghihirap na ba daw ako kaya nangangalakal na?' Pero dahil dito, nagkakaroon ako ng chance na ma-explain sa kanila kung ano ang Eco Kolek at kung ano ang mga ginagawa namin bilang Eco Warrior, at naliliwanagan sila," she said.

Inclusion and servant leadership

Oliverio also refreshed participants on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), underscoring the program's commitment to equal opportunity and mutual respect. Each Eco Warrior contributed one gender- or inclusion-friendly policy or idea to a GEDSI Commitment Board.

In the final session, Cacal discussed servant leadership, drawing a clear distinction between being a leader and being a boss. She emphasized that Eco Warriors from Batches 1 to 3 will serve as mentors to new members as Eco Kolek expands into other barangays, and are expected to lead by example. Participants then wrote how they would support incoming Eco Warriors and posted their pledges on a "Tree of Service."

The course concluded with a learning evaluation. Beyond refreshing technical knowledge, the sessions strengthened the Eco Warriors' sense of purpose and mutual support, preparing them to carry forward the program's work with greater confidence as it extends its reach to new communities.

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