𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝟯,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆
In a collaborative effort, 13 mining companies in Central Visayas joined forces for the PLASTIKalikasan: Mining Communities Clean-up Program, initiated by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on April 24 Earth Day 2024.
During this activity, 990 volunteers gathered 2,990 kilos of trash, primarily composed of plastics and residual waste.
Under the theme of “Planet vs Plastics,” PLASTIKalikasan fostered partnerships between mining companies, local communities, stakeholders, and government units to elevate environmental consciousness and beat the global plastic pollution crisis.
This initiative not only aims to assist mining firms in responsibly managing plastic waste but also aligns with Solid Waste Management laws.
The program’s key features include integration into companies’ Environmental Plans and ISO standards, active participation in nationwide clean-up events, and the donation of collected plastics.
The comprehensive implementation of PLASTIKalikasan is scheduled for 2025, with anticipated contributions to environmental protection, community engagement, health improvement, economic opportunities, social cohesion, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability for mining and local communities.
Engr. Edgar C. Lagarnia, head of the Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD), conveyed his gratitude to the mining companies in region 7 for their unwavering participation and cooperation in program implementation.
MGB 7 Regional Director Armando L. Malicse emphasized the program’s role as a pivotal long-term clean-up initiative for the mining sector, aimed at reducing plastic waste not only in mine sites but also in the surrounding communities.
Earth Day, Every Day
Moreover, MGB Regional Office 7 commemorated Earth Day with a two-hour lecture led by the MSESDD, urging employees to engage in the global movement against plastic pollution.
The session underlined historical facts and figures, reiterating the objective of Earth Day celebrations: raising awareness, promoting sustainable alternatives to plastic, and educating individuals about the issue.
Guest speaker Elcasmer G. Acedo, CIT-U Faculty Member, shared inspiring success stories of environmental projects utilizing plastics for W.A.S.H.Ed.-U.P. Can-asujan (Water Adequacy, Sanitation and Hygiene Education to Uplift People of Brgy. Can-asujan) and economic development initiatives.
The audience’s enthusiastic participation was evident as they engaged in trivia questions, with prizes awarded to participants.
RD Malicse commended the active involvement of mining companies and MGB 7 personnel in the Earth Day activities, extending sincere appreciation to all participants for their invaluable contributions toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
“From organizing clean-up drives to enlightening lectures on plastic’s adverse effects on human and planetary health, together, let us forge stronger alliances to address plastic pollution and champion a cleaner, more sustainable future,” RD Malicse said. (Heart Rizarri/IO)



