60 Eco-Warriors Graduate from Solid Waste Management Course, Receive TESDA Training Certificates

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – Sixty Eco-Warriors from Barangay Jacana have successfully graduated from a specialized Solid Waste Management (SWM) course under Project Zacchaeus’ Eco Kolek initiative, officially receiving their TESDA training certificates in a milestone that marks the first of its kind in the Philippines.

For nearly two years, the Eco-Warriors—composed of informal waste pickers who have long served as the city’s frontliners in garbage collection—underwent a series of modular classes designed to enhance their technical knowledge and capacity in waste segregation, recycling, and environmental stewardship. The training was conducted by Project Zacchaeus (PZC) in partnership with experts from USAID Clean Cities Blue Ocean (CCBO).

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), through its Provincial Director Vivian Abueva, accredited the program as a community-based training course, officially professionalizing the Eco-Warriors and recognizing their vital role in the city’s waste management system.

“Masaya kami na ma-professionalize ang isang informal sector katulad ng ating mga Eco-Warriors at matulungan silang maging maunlad ang kanilang pamumuhay,” said Director Abueva during her message, emphasizing the importance of giving dignity and recognition to waste pickers whose efforts often go unseen.

Overcoming Challenges and Reinventing Programs

Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic and limitations in resources, Project Zacchaeus continued to push forward with its programs. Instead of halting activities, the Eco Kolek team innovated and reinvented their approaches to ensure that learning remained accessible, engaging, and collaborative for all Eco-Warriors.

“Salamat sa patuloy ninyong pagbabago upang mapalakas ang ating grupo, pagbutihin po natin hanggang maabot nating lahat ang ating mga pangarap,” said John Vincent Gastanes, Founder of Project Zacch, in a short video message from South Korea where he was presenting the Eco Kolek project before international sustainability leaders. His message served as an inspiration for the graduates to remain committed to their cause.

A Call for Unity and Commitment

During the ceremony, Nanay Lydia, President of the Samahan ng Mamamayan ng Jacana (SMJ), issued a heartfelt challenge to her colleagues. She called on the Eco-Warriors to elevate their commitment and maturity, not only in their work but also in their relationships with one another.

“Dapat matutunan nating mahalin ang isa’t isa kahit magkaiba tayo ng pananaw at prinsipyo,” she said, reminding her peers that the strength of their community lies in unity and compassion.

Leadership with Passion

For Brian Agustin, Operations Manager of Eco Kolek, the journey was both challenging and rewarding. He admitted that pushing the project forward despite limited resources was never easy, but his passion to make a difference in the lives of the Eco-Warriors kept him motivated.

“Maraming hadlang, pero mas malaki ang dahilan para ipagpatuloy ito—ang makita ang pagbabago sa buhay ng ating Eco-Warriors,” Agustin shared.

A Milestone for Puerto Princesa

The graduation of the Eco-Warriors marks not just an achievement for Project Zacchaeus and its partners but also a breakthrough for the city of Puerto Princesa. By professionalizing waste pickers, the program bridges the gap between the informal sector and formal institutions, creating opportunities for dignity, livelihood, and leadership within communities.

This milestone further cements the role of the Eco-Warriors as more than just waste collectors—they are now recognized as trained professionals, empowered advocates, and crucial partners in solving the city’s pressing waste management challenges.

As the Eco-Warriors continue their mission, the recognition they received through TESDA accreditation symbolizes hope: that those often overlooked can rise as leaders in protecting the environment and building a sustainable future for generations to come.