Eco Kolek Launches Orientation with Life College, Engages 369 Students and 35 Teachers in Waste Segregation Drive
The highlight of the event was an inspiring talk delivered by Ronnel, one of Eco Kolek’s trained Eco-Warriors, who shared his personal journey as well as the advocacy of the project. Speaking with passion and conviction, Ronnel emphasized the importance of proper waste segregation and the vital role of young people in building a cleaner and healthier community.
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – Project Eco Kolek continues to expand its network of partner institutions as it kicked off an orientation and awareness campaign with Life College, reaching a total of 369 students and 35 teachers in its initial session.
The highlight of the event was an inspiring talk delivered by Ronnel, one of Eco Kolek’s trained Eco-Warriors, who shared his personal journey as well as the advocacy of the project. Speaking with passion and conviction, Ronnel emphasized the importance of proper waste segregation and the vital role of young people in building a cleaner and healthier community.
Call to Action for Students and Teachers
In his message, Ronnel challenged the students and faculty to take an active role in protecting the environment by being responsible with their waste, especially plastics, both within the school campus and in their homes.
“Ang simpleng paghihiwalay ng basura ay malaking bagay para sa ating kalikasan. Nagsisimula ito sa bawat isa sa atin, lalo na sa mga kabataan na siyang susunod na lider ng ating bayan,” Ronnel urged.
The Dangers of Plastic Pollution
The Eco-Warrior also presented the alarming dangers of plastic pollution in the ocean, explaining how it disrupts the aquatic ecosystem and threatens marine life. To drive his message home, he shared real-life stories and photographs showing the devastating effects of improper waste disposal—marine animals entangled in plastic, coastal areas filled with garbage, and communities suffering from floods caused by clogged waterways.
According to Ronnel, these are not distant problems but realities that affect the lives and livelihoods of people in Palawan. “Kung hindi tayo kikilos ngayon, tayo rin ang magsasuffer bukas,” he added.
Expanding the Eco Kolek Network
The orientation at Life College is part of Eco Kolek’s network-building efforts to engage schools, businesses, and communities in its growing movement for sustainable waste management. As part of the partnership, Ronnel and his fellow Eco-Warriors will be conducting regular collection of plastics from the school, ensuring that recyclable materials are diverted away from landfills and given new life through proper recovery systems.
The collaboration also highlights the value of empowering Eco-Warriors, many of whom were once informal waste pickers, to become educators and advocates. Their lived experiences add authenticity to the campaign, inspiring young audiences to take the message seriously.
Toward a Cleaner and Greener Puerto Princesa
School officials expressed their gratitude for the initiative, noting that the orientation not only raised awareness but also instilled a sense of accountability among the students and teachers. They believe that small lifestyle changes—such as waste segregation—can ripple outwards to families and communities, creating a broader impact.
The session concluded with a commitment from Life College to support the Eco Kolek initiative, positioning the school as a partner in the city’s journey toward sustainable waste management.
With more schools expected to join the program, Eco Kolek hopes to build a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who understand that caring for the planet begins with everyday actions.
