ANGELES CITY — Eco Protect Management Corp. (EMPC), in partnership with local government and education leaders, has relaunched its Lunes Malinis project and expanded its innovative upcycling initiative to schools in the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat.
The program, relaunched during upcycling caravans on August 29, aims to transform plastic wastes and beverage cartons into durable, all-weather armchairs for students.
“This is just the beginning. We hope to see more schools join Eco Protect’s efforts to transform waste into something valuable for our children and our environment,” enthused EMPC president and CEO Alainne Tan, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and community partnership.
The upcycling project addresses both environmental and educational needs through a holistic approach to waste management.
Collected plastics and cartons are processed into eco boards, which are then crafted into armchairs.
These chairs, described as “heavy and durable” by Mabalacat City Schools Division superintendent Maria Carmen Cuenco, are expected to benefit students for years to come.
“Even though these chairs are made from recycled materials, they are sturdy and will benefit our students for years to come,” Cuenco said.
In Angeles City, Councilor Edu Pamintuan, vice chairman of the city council’s environment committee, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.
“This program supports our waste segregation and anti-plastic ordinances.
It also encourages parents to help their children prepare recyclables for school every Monday, fostering community involvement,” Pamintuan said.
A key feature of the program is the “Lunes Malinis” advocacy, which now promotes zero-plastic upcycling by incorporating beverage cartons alongside single-use sachets.
The resulting eco boards are waterproof and heat-resistant, making them suitable for various construction purposes such as roofing, walls, and flooring.
To further promote sustainability, Eco Protect called on both public and private schools to donate damaged armchairs for refurbishment.
“We are not just a disposal facility; we also educate children about the value of teamwork and bayanihan in upcycling.
Together, we can turn waste into something useful for our schools,” Tan said.
