Baseco, Manila— On July 29, 2024, the vibrant community of Barangay Baseco took a major leap forward in environmental stewardship with the launch of the Baseco Recyclers, Advocates, and Vanguard for the Environment (BRAVE) Project. Supported by the New Zealand High Embassy Fund (HEF), this initiative represents a critical partnership between international and local organizations to fight against plastic waste through sustainable, community-driven solutions.
The BRAVE Project was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Catherine McIntosh, the newly appointed New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, during her inaugural visit to Barangay Baseco. Ambassador McIntosh demonstrated her commitment to local engagement by beginning her speech in the language of New Zealand's indigenous people and continuing in fluent Tagalog, which resonated deeply with attendees. Her address underscored the project’s dual focus on creating green jobs and enhancing climate resilience, reflecting the HEF's mission to support grassroots initiatives that improve community welfare. This inspiring collaboration has the full support of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development.
Ambassador McIntosh urged the residents of Baseco to collaborate with Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran ng Baseco, a community-based organization dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing and sustainable income opportunities.
She highlighted the essential role of local governance and private sector partners like Sentinel Upcycling, led by Jonathan Co, in steering the BRAVE Project towards a zero-waste future.
Lala Salanga, livelihood officer from the Urban Poor Associate (UPA) also contributed valuable insights, emphasizing UPA's dedication to empowering urban poor communities like KABALIKAT. With 15 organizations under its wing, including the Koalisyon ng Organisadong Samahan ng Maralitang Taga-Lungsod (KOSMAT) who was also present during the launching, UPA seeks to replicate KABALIKAT's successful programs in other communities. Salanga praised the Baseco barangay council for facilitating the establishment of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which serves as a vital recycling hub and generates additional income through strategic partnerships for selling plastic waste and credits. These efforts align with the recently enacted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, which emphasizes sustainable waste management.
The EPR law mandates large companies to be accountable for their plastic waste, targeting an 80% recovery rate by 2028. This legislation has invigorated initiatives like BRAVE, encouraging the perception of waste as a resource and inspiring new waste management practices.
The project aims to empower Baseco residents to tackle the substantial waste produced by its 23,000 households, demonstrating that addressing environmental challenges can also foster economic opportunities. In the future, as their capabilities grow, they aim to process waste from surrounding communities.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the BRAVE Facility highlighted the collaborative efforts of Kabalikat and UPA in bringing this vision to life. This event serves as a rallying call for other urban communities and stakeholders across the Philippines to adopt this model of sustainable development and community empowerment.
The BRAVE Project sets a benchmark for sustainable waste management. We urge local government units (LGUs), civic organizations, and private sector entities to collaborate and invest in community-based environmental initiatives. Together, we can create a resilient, zero-waste society that mitigates the impact of plastic waste while driving economic growth through innovation and cooperation.
For more information on supporting or joining the BRAVE initiative and similar projects, please get in touch with us at inquiry@parms.com.ph
**Join us in turning the tide against plastic waste and be part of a transformative movement towards a circular economy.**
Written by: Zed Avecilla, EPR Program Director of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (zed@parms.com.ph)
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