Eco Kolek frontliners join ENVICON 2026 to scale local sustainability efforts

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Representatives from the Eco Kolek program participated in the Environmental Science and Sustainability Conference (ENVICON 2026) held at the Palawan State University (PSU) Amphitheater on January 15 to 16. The engagement focused on aligning local waste management efforts with international sustainability standards and fostering youth leadership within the circular economy.

The two-day conference served as a platform for environmental advocates and educators to share technical knowledge on climate resilience and sustainable development. For Eco Kolek, the event functioned as a strategic capacity-building initiative for its frontline leaders.

Professionalizing Environmental Advocacy

The delegation, composed of Glen Mark Castronuevo, Angelyn Gabuco, and Salvy Parangue, engaged in plenary sessions that highlighted innovative environmental solutions and real-world success stories. According to the project’s post-activity report, the exposure was designed to broaden the participants' perspectives on large-scale environmental advocacy and refine their leadership and critical thinking skills.

By interacting with subject matter experts and peers, the representatives were able to reflect on current local practices and explore creative approaches to responsible waste management and recycling. This professional exposure is part of Eco Kolek’s broader strategy to transition informal waste collectors into proactive, informed agents of change.

Strategic Impact on Waste Management

The participation of Eco Kolek in ENVICON 2026 underscores the program's commitment to continuous learning and operational excellence. By integrating student-centered insights and scientific discussions into their field operations, the group aims to enhance community engagement and the efficiency of local recycling initiatives.

“Experiences like this motivate our team to take on leadership roles and actively contribute to the community’s environmental efforts,” noted the program’s operations office.

The event concludes a series of high-level activities for Eco Kolek this month, following the formal registration of its workers' association with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). These developments signal an institutionalized approach to waste management in Puerto Princesa, where grassroots action is increasingly backed by academic research and legal recognition.

Scaling the Circular Economy

As Puerto Princesa continues to implement its zero-waste roadmap, the lessons from ENVICON 2026 are expected to inform the program’s next phase of community-based plastic recovery. The integration of technical knowledge and frontline experience remains a priority for Project Zacchaeus as it works with international partners like PEMSEA and the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership to build a resilient, circular future for the province.