“Recyclable mo, palit grocery ko” – a new program launched by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in Pateros under the Yes To Ayos campaign.

For each recyclable waste brought by a resident, there is an equivalent grocery item in return. There are corresponding points per recyclable material that will be turned over to MMDA collecting centers, and those points will be utilized to get grocery items.

The new program aims to reduce solid waste in waterways by collecting recyclable waste.

MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III stated that this program may help to encourage residents to be responsible in waste disposal.

“Isa sa mga estratehiya natin para makuha rin ang cooperation ng mga tao, eh maramdaman din nila na ang gobyerno ay katuwang nila. So kasama diyan sa recycling natin, ini-encourage natin ang pagdala ng mga recyclable materials sa ating mga collection centers in exchange for groceries,” he said

[“One of our strategies to get the cooperation of the people, to feel that the government is their partner. So, what is included in our recycling, we are encouraging them to bring recyclable materials to our collection centers in exchange for groceries.”]

He also confirmed that there is a systematic way of getting incentives in exchange for residents’ cooperation.

“Merong mga points diyan. May sistema tayo na nagbibigay sa kanila ng insentibo na magdala nitong mga recyclables para sila naman ay may direct na pakinabang,” he added

[“There are points there. We have a system that provides them incentives when they bring recyclables, so they can contribute.”]

Pateros Mayor Gerald German welcomed this program and also appreciated the purpose of the constant reminder to residents about responsible waste disposal.

“Ito ay advocacy program kung saan ay nire-revive at ini-instill yung disiplina sa ating mga Pilipino dito sa Pateros. Although maayos naman kami rito, pero yung mabibigyan ng paalala, constant reminder,  'yung aming mga kababayan na talagang disiplina ang kailangan para sa ikauunlad ng bayan eh napakaganda non,” he said

[“This is an advocacy program that revives and instills the discipline in our fellow Filipinos here in Pateros. Although we are doing well here, but to give a reminder, a constant reminder, to our fellow citizens that discipline is what we truly need for our nation’s progress, that’s totally the best.”]

The MMDA will next visit Quezon City and San Juan to implement the same campaign.

With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.