SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE (PIA) — Public elementary and secondary schools in Zambales will soon convert collected plastic bottles into funds to support environmental and student development programs.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales, Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Zambales, and Foochi Trading and Resources Inc. formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement signed at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom.
Under the Cash Cycled Project, schools and nearby communities will collect used plastic bottles and turn them over to the partner recycling firm.
Proceeds will be deposited into official school accounts and allocated for environmental activities, necessary supplies, or student programs in line with DepEd’s accounting and auditing guidelines.
SBMA OIC Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Amethya Dela Llana-Koval said the initiative is designed to promote cooperation between schools, communities, and partner agencies in addressing plastic waste while providing resources for education-related projects.
“This project marks a significant milestone in environmental and youth empowerment initiatives as it aims to foster collaboration between the project proponents and the academic communities in building sustainable environmental practices,” she said.
DTI Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad explained that bottles collected by government-run schools will be sold to Foochi Trading and Resources Inc., with earnings directed to school-based activities or environmental undertakings.
A committee composed of representatives from all signatory parties will meet at least once every semester, or as necessary, to review progress, resolve issues, and recommend improvements. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
