Dubbed "Basura Baon sa Eskwela" the new gimmick of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority aims to increase the students’ awareness of solid waste management as well as contribute to the recycling program.
MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said that the program would be focused on public school students.
Students would be asked to bring their recyclable garbage to school where MMDA redemption centers would be set up.
The garbage would be exchanged for cash, the amount dependent on the type and volume of garbage.
Items that can be sold are paper, bottles, PET bottles, plastics and aluminum cans. Prices range from 40 centavos to P1.20 a piece and 50 cents to P26 per kilogram.
"This way the students can make money just by bringing garbage from their homes to school," Abalos said.
The program will be implemented at the start of classes this June in most of the public schools in Metro Manila.
"We are now facing a growing garbage problem and every little bit of contribution, no matter how small counts," Abalos added.
Meanwhile, Abalos announced that preparations are already being undertaken by the MMDA for the opening of classes.
The Traffic Operations Center of the MMDA has already set up meetings with the Philippine National Police and the security units of schools to ensure an orderly start of classes.
Abalos said that he would urge the security personnel of the various schools to aid the MMDA’s traffic enforcers in directing traffic not only in their respective compounds but also within the environs of the school. — Mark Garcia