PORAC, Pampanga — Monday mornings in Porac now come with a renewed sense of purpose and a cleaner environment.
Eco Protect Management Corporation (EPMC), led by its president and CEO Alainne Tan, launched its flagship “Lunes Malinis” program this week, starting with Calzadang Bayu Elementary School and later visiting Manibaug Paralaya Elementary School, where the initiative was met with heartfelt gratitude and community support.
The concept is simple but powerful. For every 8 kilos of single-use plastics collected, EPMC donates either a trash bin or an armchair to the participating school. It’s a practical exchange — less plastic waste in the community, more resources for students.
At Manibaug Paralaya ES, which serves over 1,800 students, Master Teacher 2 Juvy Garcia spoke passionately on behalf of the school, calling on residents to support the initiative.
“Keng kabaryu mi, sana sopan yu kami, Bangka nita pu apakwa mi keng magbasura mi.”
“To our fellow villagers, we ask for your help,” Garcia said in Kapampangan.
“Ikaming manungkulan tungkul pu keng basura tamu eyu pu uugse keng paligid ibili yu lan pu keng tamang lalagyan.”
(“We, who serve the community, are asking you to dispose of your waste properly. Please don’t throw it carelessly—put it in the right place,”) she added.
Garcia continued, urging collective action to protect the health of children and the future of the barangay.
“Sana pu sopan yu kami, emi pu agyu ini nung eyu kami sopan. alang alang pu keng keketamung barangay, alang alang pu kareng anak tamu, ba la pung miwas la pu keng sakit dengue.”
“We can’t do this alone. We need your support—for the sake of our barangay, for the health of our children, so they won’t fall ill from diseases like dengue.”
The program’s launch was also attended by Barangay Chairman Joey Singian Balilu, who acknowledged the growing waste problem in their area.
“This program is a big deal for our barangay,” Balilu said.
“It helps reduce waste, which has caused serious problems — blocking water flow, damaging crops, and even contaminating irrigation.”
For EPMC, the goal goes beyond cleanup. It’s about education and empowerment. By involving schools and barangays, the company hopes to spark a ripple effect of sustainability and civic responsibility.
While some residents asked about ordinances and enforcement, Garcia emphasized that change takes time — and patience.
“It’s not easy,” she admitted. “Even if only 10 percent participate, we don’t give up. We take it slow, hoping that when people see small changes, they’ll start to cooperate.”
As “Lunes Malinis” continues to roll out across Porac, the hope is that more schools and barangays will join the movement — not just for cleaner surroundings, but for a healthier, more sustainable future.
