Eco Kolek Partners with JCI and SM Malls for 4Rs Market Project

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – Project Zacchaeus’ Eco Kolek initiative, together with its empowered Eco-Warriors, has joined forces with JCI Puerto Princesa-Oil and Peacock and SM City Puerto Princesa to launch the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover) Market Project in celebration of Environment Month, June 2022.

The project aims to strengthen public awareness and participation in responsible waste management practices, while also providing opportunities for informal waste pickers, now called Eco-Warriors, to showcase their role in building a cleaner and greener city.

During the activity, residents and mallgoers brought in recyclable items, mostly transparent plastic bottles, which were collected and turned over by JCI to the Eco-Warriors as part of their daily collection operations. According to Brian Agustin, Operations Head of Eco Kolek, this kind of exposure empowers Eco-Warriors by involving them in city-wide environmental programs, reinforcing their commitment to protect the environment and uplifting their role as change agents in the community.

“Salamat sa tulong ninyo sa pangangalaga ng ating kalikasan sa pamamagitan ng ganitong klaseng gawain,” said Vice Mayor Nancy Socrates, commending the collaborative effort of the organizers and partners.

JCI Oil’s Russel Fernandez also shared that the 4Rs Market Project will continue as a monthly activity, scheduled every first Saturday of the month at the SM Lacao Traveler’s Lounge entrance, providing residents with a consistent avenue to responsibly dispose of recyclables.

Through initiatives like this, Eco Kolek and its partners hope to sustain momentum in promoting the 4Rs, empower communities to take action, and further integrate waste collectors as vital players in Puerto Princesa’s environmental programs.