CULMINATION OF THE SIMULTANEOUS E-WASTE COLLECTION EVENT: PARTNERSHIP LEADS THE WAY TOWARD SAFE E-WASTE MANAGEMENT

 

The five-day “Simultaneous E-Waste Collection” event of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in cooperation with the EcoWaste Coalition, concluded last June 30, 2023. The event was held in collaboration with the DENR-EMB NCR Regional Office and local government units of Baguio City, Manila City, and the City of San Jose del Monte, along with DMCI, Megaworld, Globe Telecom,  PLDT/Smart Telecom, and the SyCip Law Center.

 

Throughout the week-long event, the partners implemented various approaches to engage individuals and promote safe e-waste management methods. PLDT/Smart Telecom’s e-waste collection coincided with the celebration of Environmental Health and Safety Week, where they conducted informative lectures on proper e-waste management for their employees. On the other hand, Globe Telecom developed an informative video to educate the public about the health hazards of improper e-waste disposal. This initiative aimed to increase awareness and encourage individuals to responsibly dispose of their electronic devices. DMCI introduced its own e-waste bin placed in strategic locations, ensuring convenient access for individuals to dispose of their e-waste.

 

Under the leadership of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Baguito City took significant steps toward e-waste management. The Baguio City LGU actively mobilized the community through a television interview, resulting in the collection of an impressive two tonnes of e-waste. The collective effort showcased the citizens’ commitment to environmental preservation.

 

DENR-EMB Assistant Director Esperanza Sajul provided an overview of the mechanisms of the simultaneous e-waste collection event, stating, “The haulers of these e-waste collection events are the e-waste facilities that were established through the project. Many words have been said, clear actions have been taken, which led to the mobilization of several LGUs (Baguio City, Manila City, and Trece Martirez), and at least 2 tons of e-waste from households have been collected in the City of Baguio alone.”

 

The successful conclusion of the Simultaneous E-Waste Collection event received praise and support from various stakeholders. Assistant Secretary for Field Operations– Luzon and Visayas, Gilbert Gonzales, expressed his optimism about the collaborative efforts, “Since e-waste management is feasible at the barangay level, we are trying to modify some of the schemes with the participation of the LGU and the private sector. It is an opportune time for us to help one another. We hope UNIDO can guide us when we launch a regular program for e-waste collection and management.”

 

UNIDO Country Representative, Mr. Teddy Monroy, was also present at the said event to give his support, expressing, “This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Cooperation agreement between the government of the Philippines and UNIDO and in the past 6 years, we have seen the intensifying UNIDO cooperation with the country through the implementation of the UNIDO-Philippines Country Program Framework. For UNIDO, the 2030 SDGs highlight the importance of sustainable development, built around circularity and innovation, cutting across all the 17 SDGs.” Director Al Orolfo of DENR-FASPS added, “We hope that this will serve as inspiration for us in the government to continue working on the “institutionalization or sustainability” of e-waste collection or management. We hope these efforts are aimed to inspire all of us to continue and work beyond this UNIDO/DENR/GEF-funded project.”

 

By the end of the program, representatives from private stakeholder partners– Megaworld and DMCI The Celandine– also expressed their support and commitment to continuing these e-waste initiatives. “We are honored to be part of this environmental campaign, and we are thrilled to continue this e-waste collection in our offices. Together, we can make a significant impact by responsibly managing e-wastes,” Megaworld Corporate Operations Group Manager, Ms. Jocelyn Melitante, stated. DMCI The Celandine Senior Property Manager, Ms. Ma-Ann Flores, also said, “We started this program in our community, and we are thankful that this program expanded to all communities in DMCI. Soon, we are launching our e-waste program in other DMCI communities.”

 

Moving forward, the participating organizations remain committed to further promoting responsible e-waste management practices. They aim to develop regular programs that address the challenges posed by e-waste, with the support and guidance of relevant stakeholders, including UNIDO.