CCCI to create group of recyclers in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Pushing to minimize the threat of environment at the same time promote entrepreneurship, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is going to create a formal group of “recyclers” in Cebu.

CCCI president Samuel Chioson announced that this is part of CCCI’s effort to embrace a serious “green advocacy”, in order to help sustain the environment.

Chioson said the chamber will coordinate with managements of different big subdivisions here and together they will work hand in hand in managing wastes effective, at the same time encouraging entrepreneurs to make money out of garbage.

Waste management and recycling business are two of the main factors that the program aims to fulfill, he said.

“There is money and wealth opportunity out of garbage. We should create a proper channel in the management of Cebu’s wealth, and we will not entirely put this burden to the government,” said Chioson.

The group of “recyclers”, aside from working with the subdivision management for waste management, they will also provide expertise and technical help for entrepreneurs who may want to invest and start business in recycling.

This may be through providing livelihood opportunities for less fortunate communities in Cebu, or through working with the small cooperatives.

Chioson said while this plan is still on the drawing board, the chamber will soon announced the details of the “Recyclers” group creation.

What is important is through this program, the private sector in Cebu will be able to contribute to the sustainable environment management, specifically in proper garbage disposal system.

This program, he said will be formally launched during this year’s Cebu Business Month (CBM 2012), together with the several initiatives of the chamber to continuously protect the environment.

One of those is its effort to establish a legitimate “organic” food producers in Cebu province, in coordination with concerned government agencies, like the Department of Agriculture, among others.

Already, CCCI announced that creation of the program called “Cebu Organic Movement,” of which it has gotten support from both government agencies, and some foreign funding agencies.

Chioson hopes that the creation of “Recyclers” group would also stimulate interest and support from other groups.

Although, there are already similar programs that are operating, mostly done by the Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Chioson hopes that this initiative of the chamber will re-enforce the interest of investors or entreprenuers to go into “recycling” business, while helping some poor communities in providing livelihood to jobless.

Chioson added that there are growing opportunities in business in terms of recycling. While, the market is now embracing the trend of buying “environment friendly” materials, may it be in fashion, home furnishings, accessories, among others.

“Indeed, there is money in garbage, and Cebu should lead in this advantage,” Chioson concluded. (FREEMAN)