It started with a simple idea: collect plastic, earn money. But the Palit-Basura project, run by the determined mothers of Gomburza Women’s Association, has grown into something much bigger. Today, it’s creating waves of change that are rippling through Paco, Manila, and beyond, turning plastic waste into hope for their children’s education.
The Guardians of Estero de Concordia
Meet Clarinda, a devoted mother of eight, whose eyes now sparkle with newfound optimism. “This project and the investment of Pure Bayanihan in our livelihood are a tremendous blessing because they have helped boost our income. It supports our family’s daily needs, even if in small ways,” she shares, her voice brimming with gratitude.
Beside her stands Dolly, a resilient single mother of three, who once struggled to make ends meet. “It wasn’t enough because I have three children. Two in high school and one in elementary,” she recalls. “I used to have to ask my brother for help. Now I have this livelihood to help bring in income.”
These remarkable women of GWEA are the unsung heroes of their community. They’re not just cleaning up their neighborhood – they’re crafting a new destiny for themselves and their families.
From Discarded to Dignified
The Palit-Basura project, initiated by local River Warriors and supported by Pure Bayanihan, is the catalyst for this heartwarming transformation. It’s an innovative system that reimagines the concept of waste:
- Community Renewal: GWEA members collect single-use plastics and sachets from their neighbors, revitalizing streets and waterways.
- Economic Empowerment: The collected plastics are sold to organizations like Plastic Credit Exchange, providing a steady income stream for the women.
- Educational Support: Through the “Palit School Supplies” initiative, children can exchange collected plastics for essential school materials.
Ripples of Positive Change
The benefits of Palit-Basura extend far beyond immediate economic impact. Reach Penaflor, the project’s coordinator, paints an inspiring vision of the future: “If we can teach even just a first grader, while they’re still young, to collect and segregate waste, we won’t see any plastic floating in the rivers.”
This environmental awakening is taking root in the community. Weng Francisco, a hardworking mother of five juggling multiple jobs, shares her eye-opening realization: “There’s value in what we once considered garbage. That’s what encouraged us to collect bottles. Because of this new perspective, the residents here no longer throw them in the river.”
Dreams Taking Flight
As the women of GWEA continue their transformative work, they’re not just cleaning up their community – they’re building a legacy of hope. Leny, a 56-year-old mother of four dealing with disability (PWD), shares her heartfelt vision: “My dream for my community is to reduce– really, to become zero-waste, to see that there are no more wrappers or garbage floating in the river.”
Clarinda’s aspirations echo this sentiment, painting a picture of a brighter future: “My dream is for the environment to become even cleaner, especially along the river, for the floating plastics to disappear, and for my fellow barangay residents to learn about recycling and earn an income by recycling, so that not only I will progress, but they will too.”
Be Part of the Transformation
The Palit-Basura project shows that small actions can make a big difference. By turning trash into school supplies, these women are building a brighter future for their families and their community. Together, we can turn plastic waste into opportunities for education and a cleaner world!
