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Bridging Borders: Empowering Waste Collectors for Sustainable Change

by Shellemai Roa




The recent visit to the US Capitol was nothing short of eye-opening and transformative. Standing amidst the rich history and heritage, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of responsibility toward our mission to amplify our impact and uplift marginalized communities, fostering a future free from poverty.




Partnering with the dedicated team at Project Zacchaeus Eco Kolek, our vision extends beyond boundaries. Drawing inspiration from the developmental strides witnessed in the United States, our aim is to implement similar strategies back home in the Philippines. Our core focus remains on improving the lives of informal waste collectors while safeguarding the environment. Empowering these unsung heroes to become leaders in sustainable waste management is at the heart of our mission.




In the picturesque City of Puerto Princesa and across the scenic Province of Palawan, combatting waste-related challenges, particularly the menace of plastic pollution, has taken center stage. The ongoing discussions at the United Nations regarding the Plastic Treaty only reinforce the global urgency to tackle these issues collectively.




The invaluable experiences gained during this journey, coupled with unwavering support from mentors in the United States and the Philippines, have emboldened us to forge ahead with our vision. Our commitment to establishing a sustainable and impactful material management system has only grown stronger.




With heartfelt gratitude for the knowledge gained through the YSEALI Philippines YSEALI Professional Fellows Program, ICMA - International City/County Management Association, American Council of Young Political Leaders, U.S. International Exchange Alumni- Philippines, USAID Philippines, US State Department, and the #CCBO initiative, we look forward to driving positive change for our communities and the environment.











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WWF and Eco Kolek Collaborate for Sustainable Solid Waste Management Training in Bataraza




The strategic collaboration between WWF and Eco Kolek took a significant stride forward with the "Tamang Isip at Gawi sa Pamamahala ng Basura para sa Malinis at Ligtas na Pamayanan" (Solid Waste Management Training), hosted at Riverside Hotel and Resort, Bgy. Marangas, Bataraza, Palawan from October 18 to 20, 2023.




This transformative event was meticulously designed to instill a deeper understanding of the critical nuances of effective waste management and its profound implications for environmental sustainability.




The training session, expertly facilitated by Eco Kolek's Administration and Finance Manager, Jofer Malolos, and MEL Officer/Capacity Building Specialist, Jan Aldwin Bermeo, was strategically designed to achieve a set of well-defined objectives. These objectives encompassed the imperative task of elevating participants' awareness regarding the detrimental consequences of inadequate waste management and plastic pollution.




Moreover, the training aimed to equip attendees with practical and sustainable waste management methodologies that could be seamlessly integrated into their daily routines, both in their professional and personal capacities.




A crucial component of the training involved guiding the participants through the process of evaluating and formulating their individualized solid waste management plans. By delving into the intricacies of waste management, the participants were empowered to identify key challenges and devise strategic plans tailored to their specific requirements.




The envisioned output of this training was to enable the participants to emerge with comprehensive and actionable solid waste management plans, serving as comprehensive guides in the seamless execution of their waste management initiatives.




The collaborative efforts between WWF and Eco Kolek symbolize a powerful alliance dedicated to driving sustainable change and fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and responsible waste management practices within local communities. This initiative stands as a resounding testament to the collective determination to build a greener and cleaner future, one step at a time.


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Insights from my Visit to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC during YSEALI

by Shellemai Roa




After an enriching month-long participation in the YSEALI Professional Fellowship program in Coppell, Texas, I recently had the distinct privilege of visiting the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC. It was an honor to meet with His Excellency Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez, the esteemed Philippine Ambassador to the United States. Our discussions revolved around the impactful work being done in the Philippines, with a particular focus on our fellowship insights and the critical significance of the Plastic Treaty, a pivotal UN initiative addressing plastic pollution and recognizing the crucial role of informal waste collectors in sustainable waste management. The Ambassador's keen interest in this global issue, especially within the context of climate change, was evident and deeply encouraging.




During the meeting, I had the opportunity to present the progressive strides of our Eco Kolek program, which has extended its reach beyond Puerto Princesa to encompass various Palawan LGUs, including Kalayaan and Cagayancillo, as part of our ongoing pilot initiatives. We explored the potential for fostering stronger collaboration and developing robust programs aimed at empowering informal waste collectors as professionalized Eco Warriors, engaging them as community advocates working in tandem with LGUs to promote source-segregated waste management. The Ambassador expressed unwavering support and enthusiasm for further collaboration, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in these crucial initiatives.




The resounding message echoed by our esteemed Philippine Ambassador, alongside my esteemed mentor Luay Rahil, MBA of the City of Coppell, Dr. Sam Potolicchio of the Center for Global Leadership, and Diendre Combs of Combs and Company, emphasized the significance of applying the knowledge acquired during this fellowship to drive positive change within our home country.




We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Philippine Embassy to the US, the US Department of State, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program, and ICMA - International City/County Management Association for their invaluable support and the connections that continue to fuel our mission for a sustainable future.




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