The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) recently held the awarding ceremony for the “Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo! Barangay Contest” at the MMDA Arena. This event marked the conclusion of a four-month initiative aimed at encouraging barangays to actively collect and recycle clear PET plastic bottles, Coca-Cola returnable glass bottles (RGBs), and crates, as part of broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.
The “Tapon to Ipon” initiative, a collaboration between CCBPI’s program and the MMDA’s Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) project, played a crucial role in engaging communities in waste reduction and resource recovery. A total of 21 barangays participated in the contest, which ran from April to July 31, 2024. The top-performing barangays were recognized and rewarded for their outstanding efforts.
Top Barangays and Community Impact
Barangay Pinagsama from Taguig City took home the top prize, with Barangay Tejeros from Makati securing second place, and Barangay Bayanan from Muntinlupa finishing third. Barangay Tatalon from Quezon City placed fourth, while Barangay Batis from San Juan City claimed fifth. Certificates of Participation were also given to the other participating barangays.
Together, these barangays collected over 10,000 kilograms of clear PET bottles, more than 480 Coca-Cola crates, and over 16,000 Coca-Cola returnable glass bottles. The collected materials were exchanged for Coca-Cola products, encouraging active participation from residents. Clear PET bottles collected through the program were sent to PETValue Philippines, the country’s first bottle-to-bottle recycling facility, where they are transformed into food-grade recycled PET (rPET) bottles.
The top three barangays were awarded significant funding to further support their waste management and sustainability initiatives. These funds will be used to enhance local recycling programs, underscoring the importance of environmental stewardship while empowering communities to continue their efforts toward sustainability.
Barangay Pinagsama Chairperson, Hon. Maria Victoria Mortel-Balidoy, praised the initiative, noting its positive impact on reducing waste in local waterways: “The Tapon to Ipon initiative has significantly reduced the accumulation of PET bottles and other recyclables in our waterways. Our residents now see value in collecting these items, and with continued efforts, we hope to further reduce flooding risks while promoting a culture of recycling.”
Partnership for a Cleaner Future
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes highlighted the importance of community involvement in sustainability efforts: “The Tapon to Ipon initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also empowers communities to take action. By showing that small, everyday efforts can lead to significant change, barangays are setting a positive example for others to follow.”
MMDA Solid Waste Management Office Director Josias E. Syquimsiam Jr. emphasized the power of community engagement, stating, “This contest has shown the impact of incentivized recycling. We’ve been able to make a significant dent in waste reduction while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.”
Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, CCBPI’s VP for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, added, “This partnership with the MMDA aligns with our commitment to cleaner communities and better futures. We are proud of the collective efforts of the 20+ barangays, and we look forward to expanding this initiative.”
Future Initiatives
With the success of this campaign, the MMDA and CCBPI plan to expand the “Tapon to Ipon” program to reach more barangays across Metro Manila. Future collaborations will focus on sustainability initiatives and community engagement to reinforce the importance of recycling and responsible waste management.
The event concluded with the awarding ceremony, photo opportunities, and a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work together for a cleaner and greener Metro Manila.
