By Ercel Maandig/PNA
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The city government, Nestle Philippines, and Green Antz company opened Tuesday Mindanao’s “Eco-bricks” facility that converts plastic wastes into bricks used in construction.
The facility, located in the city’s old dumpsite in Zayas, aims to benefit some 300 garbage collectors and waste scavengers who formed a cooperative to manage the business.
In his speech, Mayor Oscar Moreno commended Nestle Philippines, Green Antz, and Barangay Carmen officials for the livelihood initiative.
Moreno assured that the cooperative will receive financial support from the city government, on top of the health coverage and other benefits for members and scholarships for their children.
City administrator Teodor Sabuga-a Jr. recalled that in 2015, the waste pickers opposed the closure of the dumpsite for fear of losing their main livelihood.
The city government, however, was compelled to move the dumpsite to a new location in compliance of the Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act, Sabuga-a said.
Sabuga-a said that the brick-making facility can produce at least 400 bricks per day and can generate a profit of PHP7 per brick.
