Collection center for recyclables launched in Pampanga

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Elisea G. Gozun led the launching of a collection center for recyclables (CCRs) and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Aug. 1 at the Penthouse, Mel-Vi Bldg., Olongapo-Gapan Rd., Dolores, San Fernando, Pampanga.

The project, in collaboration with Mission Pinoy Environment Team (Mission PET) headed by Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Phils., Inc. (CCBPI), Environmental Practitioners’ Association (EPA), Trust International Paper Co. (TIPCO), Mel-Vi Corporation, Robinson’s Starmills-Pampanga, the City Government of San Fernando, and Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP), aims to generate awareness on the need to care for the environment and to encourage the communities in Pampanga and the rest of Region III to collect post consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, used beverage aluminum cans and used paper and paper products to help reduce solid waste, ensure that such waste will not go to open dumpsites, and instill that there is value in recycling.

Parties to the signing of the MOU were Gozun, Rev. Fr. Deogracias Kerr Galang, executive director of SACOP, CCBPI vice president Mila Llorin and CCBPI-San Fernando plant manufacturing manager Abdiel Glinoga, EPA president and TIPCO environmental management head Roland Peña, San Fernando City Mayor Rey Aquino, Mel-Vi Corp. president and general manager Melchor Galang and Robinson’s Starmills-Pampanga mall manager Agnes Marcelino.

PET plastic is usually used as container for soft drink or water. This resin is light, durable, and recyclable. It can be used as fiber for carpets, sleeping bags, and jackets, fabric for clothes and windbreakers, shoes, cassette tapes, and even vehicle bumpers and upholstery.

Used paper will be turned over to TIPCO for recycling. This will save us hectares of forest trees in the long run.

Aluminum cans, on the other hand, will be collected and recycled in bulk for use as wheelchairs. – Benny Enriquez