A Defining Day for Our Eco-Warriors: Association Formalization and Immediate Action
It was a landmark day for the Eco Kolek family as our dedicated Eco-Warriors took a monumental step toward securing their professional future and institutional dignity. During the operational meeting held at the Circular Economy Learning Hub in Barangay Sicsican, the members unanimously resolved to formally organize their association.
by Mitchell Gimena
PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN – October 3, 2025—It was a landmark day for the Eco Kolek family as our dedicated Eco-Warriors took a monumental step toward securing their professional future and institutional dignity. During the operational meeting held at the Circular Economy Learning Hub in Barangay Sicsican, the members unanimously resolved to formally organize their association.
The meeting, organized by the Project Zacchaeus (PZC) Eco Kolek team, was designed to strengthen the internal structure necessary for the Samahan ng mga Mangangalakal sa Puerto Princesa to achieve long-term sustainability and access crucial institutional support.
Under the guidance of our Legal and Compliance Officer, Ms. Jofer Arroyo, the focus was squarely on securing formal recognition. The resolve to move forward was immediate and strong:
Formalizing Leadership: The members scheduled the election of their first official set of officers and a review of the association’s governing structure for October 10, 2025. This resolution is the key that opens the door to official registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Capacity and Funding: Discussions shifted quickly to the future, addressing the mobilization of the UNDP seed fund and the scheduling of specialized refresher courses and training sessions. We are ensuring our Eco-Warriors have the skills and resources they need for the next phase of growth.
Accountability: We worked together to implement clearer standards for defining active membership, which will improve internal accountability and overall engagement within the association.
What truly defined the day was the powerful demonstration of unity and commitment that followed the working session. Immediately after sharing lunch, the Eco-Warriors—without prompting—launched into a spontaneous clean-up drive within the vicinity of the Learning Hub.
This collective action was a profound visual statement. It reinforced the group's dedication to environmental protection and collective responsibility, proving that their association is far more than just a governing structure—it is a framework for sustained, disciplined action.
The PZC Eco Kolek remains committed to providing the organizational support and data management necessary to facilitate the association's successful registration. We are incredibly proud of our Eco-Warriors for leading this charge, securing their future, and reinforcing our circular economy model from the ground up.
