TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - Discarded plastic wrappers do not go to waste in the municipality of Lasam in Cagayan.

A novel project initiated by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) enables residents to exchange discarded plastic for rice.

Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep Jr. said the project ‘Ayuda sa Basura’ is a unique and innovative initiative demonstrating the community's commitment to turn waste into a valuable resource.

The project was launched on Feb. 15, 2023, and the local government  sustain the project after almost a year since its roll out.

“Instead of letting plastic wrappers go to waste, residents have come together to clean and exchange them for rice at the MENRO. This inspiring initiative not only addresses the issue of plastic pollution but also provides a sustainable solution that benefits both the environment and the community,” the mayor said.

For every kilogram of clean-cut plastic wrappers, an individual can get three kilograms of rice.

“Residents have embraced the idea of responsible waste management by cleaning and collecting plastic wrappers. This sense of collective responsibility has not only reduced litter in the town but has also created a shared commitment to environmental stewardship,” Agatep added.

After collecting the plastic wrappers, MENRO personnel and volunteers turn them into throw pillows.

The finished products are now being used in various offices inside the Municipal Hall, and some are being donated to public schools.

‘By infusing creativity into waste management, the community has turned a potential pollutant into functional and stylish home decor,” he added.

Last year, Lasam was one of the awardees of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), for which one of the indicators is ‘environmental management’.

Architect Rodel Urian, head of the Municipal Planning and Development Office, said during the SGLG validation, assessors lauded the LGU for how it sustained the project ‘Ayuda sa Basura’.

On the other hand, one of those who received six kilograms of rice in exchange for his two kilograms of clean plastic wrappers was Reymark Andres, 11 years old, from Barangay Battalan.

Andres said he collected those plastic wrappers at their school and patiently cleaned and cut them.

“Ibibigay ko ito sa nanay ko, sir. Malaking tulong na rin ito sir para may bigas kami (I will give this to my mother, sir. This is also a big help, sir, so that we have rice),” Andres said.

Aside from Andres, three senior citizens, namely Pacita Oro, Jessa Navarro, and Nida Valasquez, all from Nabannagan East, also brought their collected plastic wrappers.

“This program not only incentivizes responsible waste disposal but also addresses food security concerns, particularly for those in need,” MENRO head Elsbeth C. Merin said.

Merin said that residents may present their plastic wrappers to the MENRO office during the weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (OTB/MDCT/PIA Cagayan)