92-Year-Old Eco-Warrior Receives TESDA Certificate in Solid Waste Management
Nanay Pacita, one of the eldest members of the Samahan ng Mamamayan ng Jacana (SMJ), was among the participants who completed the specialized modular course on proper solid waste segregation, recycling, and community-based waste management practices. The training, developed under the Eco Kolek Project with support from USAID’s Clean Cities Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, is the first accredited SWM community-based training program in the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – In a remarkable milestone that proves age is never a barrier to learning and service, Nanay Pacita, a 92-year-old informal waste collector and proud Eco-Warrior of Project Zacchaeus’ Eco Kolek initiative, has officially graduated from the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Training Program and received her certificate from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Nanay Pacita, one of the eldest members of the Samahan ng Mamamayan ng Jacana (SMJ), was among the participants who completed the specialized modular course on proper solid waste segregation, recycling, and community-based waste management practices. The training, developed under the Eco Kolek Project with support from USAID’s Clean Cities Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, is the first accredited SWM community-based training program in the Philippines.
Her graduation was met with cheers and admiration, not just from her fellow Eco-Warriors, but also from project partners and local officials who view her as a living inspiration for the community.
A Trailblazer at 92
Despite her age, Nanay Pacita actively joined learning sessions, participating in discussions and demonstrating her determination to further contribute to her community’s environmental advocacy.
The TESDA certificate she received now qualifies her to be recognized as a skilled worker in solid waste management, opening doors for her to work with institutions and establishments that require accredited expertise in managing their waste programs.
“Ang makapagtapos sa edad na 92 ay patunay na walang pinipiling edad ang pag-aaral at ang pagiging tagapangalaga ng kalikasan,” said TESDA Palawan Provincial Director Vivian Abueva, who praised Nanay Pacita’s perseverance and dedication to serve.
A Symbol of Hope and Resilience
Project Zacchaeus (PZC) Founder John Vincent Gastanes expressed his admiration for Nanay Pacita, noting that her story symbolizes the resilience and spirit of Puerto Princesa’s informal waste collectors.
“Nanay Pacita represents what Eco Kolek stands for—that every person, no matter their background or age, can become a leader in protecting the environment. Her achievement is not just for herself but for all Eco-Warriors who dream of dignity and recognition in their work,” Gastanes said in a message.
Community Inspiration
For her fellow Eco-Warriors, Nanay Pacita’s graduation serves as a reminder that learning and growth are lifelong journeys. Many of her peers admitted they were inspired to take their training more seriously, knowing that if she could persevere at 92, they too could push themselves to finish strong.
Her story also resonated with members of the Jacana community, who saw in her not only a grandmotherly figure but also a symbol of hope—that empowerment can happen at any stage in life.
Looking Ahead
As Eco Kolek continues its mission of professionalizing informal waste collectors, Nanay Pacita’s achievement sets a powerful example of inclusion. Her journey shows that empowerment does not stop with age, and that the fight for a cleaner, greener Puerto Princesa is one that everyone—young and old—can join.
Her proud smile as she held her TESDA certificate captured what this milestone truly means: a victory not just for herself, but for the entire community of Eco-Warriors.
Congratulations, Nanay Pacita! ❤️