Iloilo City: The local government has partnered with the Department of Education-Division of Iloilo City to initiate “TRASHkolekta: Basura ta, Manggad naton,” a sustainable waste management program aimed at engaging students. This initiative was formalized with the signing of a memorandum of agreement on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Jerry Tre±as emphasized that the agreement is not just a policy but a call to action for the community to contribute to preserving the city for future generations. He stated that the collaboration is aimed at managing waste effectively while transforming mindsets and inspiring positive change toward a cleaner, greener, and more progressive Iloilo City.
The program focuses on encouraging students to trade or sell discarded products and recyclable materials. This activity will be supervised by the Federated Parent-Teachers Association (FPTA), involving various stakeholders like students, principals, teachers, non-teaching staff, FPTA, and members of the Earth Keepers’ Club across elementary and secondary schools in the city.
Implementation of the program will be managed by Earth Keepers’ Club/FPTA officers, who are tasked with conducting school-based recycling and waste initiatives. Their responsibilities will include collecting, segregating, and facilitating the trading of materials such as cans, plastic, bottles, papers, cartons, brass/copper, and pewter.
Oversight of the implementation will be handled by the City General Services Office, with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) ensuring adherence to local solid waste ordinances. Mayor Tre±as highlighted the economic and social importance of effective waste management alongside its environmental benefits, noting that it helps safeguard resources, protect ecosystems, and enhance public health.
Signatories to the agreement included Mayor Tre±as, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, FPTA president Antonio Jacoba, Assistant Department Head II Maria Mathilde Tre±as, Iloilo City Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Luz De Los Reyes, and CENR officer Janis Mae Sy.
