In the heart of Manila, where the Pasig River meets Manila Bay, lies a community that embodies both struggle and resilience. BASECO, home to over 100,000 people, has long been a mirror of urban poverty in the Philippines. But amidst the challenges, a spark of hope has ignited through a project supported by Pure Bayanihan.
The Pure Bayanihan Project: Turning Waste into Opportunity
At its core, this innovative initiative is about transforming lives while cleaning up the environment. The project provides ₱10,000 in seed capital to solo parents, empowering them to become environmental stewards and entrepreneurs. Beneficiaries use this money to collect and sell plastic waste, turning what was once trash into a source of income.
The project works by creating a sustainable cycle:
- Beneficiaries receive seed capital
- They use the money to buy plastic waste from the community
- The collected waste is sold to recycling facilities
- Profits are reinvested to buy more waste, continuing the cycle
This approach not only provides income for the beneficiaries but also significantly reduces plastic pollution in BASECO’s waterways and beaches. Additionally, the project offers training in waste management and small business operations, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Engineer Richard Peñaflor, the project coordinator, explains the profound impact: “When we started cleaning the esteros, we thought we were just cleaning waterways. But we realized we were cleaning up people’s lives too.” This simple yet powerful observation captures the essence of the project’s approach – addressing environmental issues while uplifting communities.
Lives Transformed
For many in BASECO, like Rhenia Baldoz, a 52-year-old solo parent of three, the project has been a lifeline. “The capital they gave us is so important,” she shares. “We can buy plastic waste, sell it, and use the money to buy more stock for our small businesses. It’s a continuous cycle that helps us meet our daily needs.”
Grace Alonzo, also a beneficiary of HOPE’s Aling Tindera program*, emphasizes the dual impact: “This project means a lot to us. It’s not just extra income; we’re also reducing the plastic waste that clogs our waterways and causes flooding. We’re helping ourselves while helping our community.”
The impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries. Mike Brusola, a community organizer, notes how the project has fostered a spirit of bayanihan (communal unity) in BASECO. “You can see the love among the residents,” he observes. “They’re united in collecting plastic, bringing it to our beneficiaries, and working together to clean our environment.”
Environmental Impact and Community Pride
Elsa Paluga, a 72-year-old resident since 1986, reflects on the project’s significance: “BASECO has always struggled with plastic waste. This project not only helps us financially but also addresses our environmental problems. It’s reducing the plastic that accumulates here, as we’re a catch basin for the river.”
The project’s success lies in its understanding that environmental solutions must go hand in hand with community development. By empowering residents to take charge of their environment, it’s fostering a sense of ownership and pride in BASECO.
As the initiative continues to grow, its impact becomes increasingly evident. The waterways are cleaner, families have additional income, and there’s a palpable sense of hope in the community. It has shown that when given the opportunity and resources, communities can be powerful agents of change.
In BASECO, every piece of plastic collected is more than just waste removed from the environment. It represents dignity restored, livelihoods improved, and a community united in purpose. This is the true essence of bayanihan – Filipinos coming together, lifting each other up, and working towards a cleaner, brighter future for all.
*The Aling Tindera program, a project of HOPE, sets up plastic collection stations that incentivizes residents to collect and sell plastic waste, providing them with additional income. This program ensures that the collected plastics are sent to processing partners, thereby diverting them away from nature.
