One Child, One Tree Raises Awareness on Plastic Pollution with Solutions

6 December 2019, Hagonoy, Bulacan. Seventy-two participants representing 25 barangay councils, schools, and local organisations in Hagonoy, Bulacan attended a recycling information event on December 6th 2019, coordinated by One Child, One Tree (OCOT). The event was aimed at raising participants’ awareness on plastic pollution and recycling options that can be implemented in schools and communities.

The event was thankfully co-hosted by the local government of Hagonoy who provided free use of its conference hall and food for the delegates. The event was chaired by Mr Jun Regalado Acuna, school head of Eugenio G. Sy Tamco Elementary School.

The honourable Vice mayor of Hagonoy, Mr. Angel Cruz, Jr. gave an inspirational speech, emphasising the strategic goal of the local government to save our water and land resources.

Miss Misha Rabat from Nestle Philippines presented their solid waste management program, while Mr Gilbert Angeles of Green Antz Builders presented how plastic laminates can be recycled into eco-bricks. They encouraged the participants to partner with them and address the plastic pollution in Hagonoy.

Charles Estrella, a student and a volunteer of One Child, One Tree presented novel and practical ideas on how to take good care of our environment to make our planet a healthier place to live in.

One Child, One Tree Volunteer Arya Capilos led and documented the successful event. Arya was one of the first volunteers when One Child, One Tree started in January 2017, founded by Natalia Sali – who also became FEED Ambassador on account of her consistent determination to enhance flood resilience and community development in her home town Hagonoy ever since she started. (See Related Articles below)

Angela Keith Diaz, a grade five student from Hangga Elementary School is the youngest participant. She discussed about plastic pollution and other recycling initiatives by different companies. After the event, she said, “being one of the delegates in the recent event, I was given a chance to listen to the processes of recycling that I didn’t know before. As a child and a student, I look into this as a big opportunity. I have learned that irresponsible disposal of garbage affects our environment, especially the fishes that we eat. Through this event, I became informed enough on how I can be an instrument of change. I will do my best to put into action the things I have learned.”

One Child, One Tree continues to live up its advocacy of protecting the environment through community action. In addition to tree planting, it is currently developing a feasibility study on viable and sustainable solid waste recycling programs in partnership with local councils and schools.

If you want to get involved, please contact Natalia Sali at natsali2001@yahoo.com or send a message to One Child, One Tree FB page.

CONTACT FEED

In 2015, the Philippine government submitted to the United Nations the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. The carbon dioxide reductions will come from the sectors of energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry.

FEED runs a number of Students and Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE); Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – such as mangrove planting for coastal protection or ridge reforestation plantings; One Child, One Tree; Bio-Intensive Gardens (BIG) for nutrition in public elementary schools and other spaces; Climate Change Survival 101 and other LIVING LEGACY programs – customised environmental engagement activities for individuals and organisations interested in contributing to climate change adaptation efforts and greening critical areas such as watersheds, ridges, and reefs that all require rehabilitation.

Join us! Help us reverse the Earth’s “hothouse climate” tipping point.

Tree-Planting with FEED

Check out the video journey by Clueless Commuter who planted with us last 24th of June 2017 to get a good idea of how FEED plantings go: https://youtu.be/KROn4rjVqBg

Contact us at FEED for more details, to join our regular activities or to design your own tree-nurturing event: info@feed.org.ph or call/text +63 (0)917 552 4722.