Eco Kolek Shares Milestones at San Vicente’s Resource Management Forum

San Vicente, Palawan – Project Zacchaeus’ flagship initiative, Eco Kolek, was among the featured presenters during the Resource Management Forum organized by the San Vicente Local Government Unit (LGU), which also marked the launching of the municipality’s Second Cluster of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Representing Project Zacch, She Roa took the stage to share the milestones of Eco Kolek’s work in Puerto Princesa and nearby communities. Speaking before local government officials, community leaders, and grassroots stakeholders, she presented the project’s integrated approach to waste management, emphasizing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), proper waste classification, and the alignment of the project with both national and local solid waste management (SWM) regulations.

Sharing Lessons and Stories from the Ground

What made the presentation impactful was not only the technical knowledge imparted but also the human stories of transformation from Eco Kolek’s very own Eco-Warriors—informal waste collectors who have been trained, empowered, and now serve as environmental champions in their communities. Their journeys illustrated how small but organized actions can create meaningful change, both socially and environmentally.

According to Roa, the project’s success stems from a multi-sectoral collaboration that combines the lived experiences of Eco-Warriors with the capacity-building support provided by USAID Clean Cities Blue Ocean (CCBO). “We believe that sustainability is not just about managing waste, but also about valuing the people behind the effort and empowering them to lead in protecting our environment,” she said.

Dialogue with Local Leaders

The forum also became a venue for open dialogue, allowing participants from San Vicente to share their challenges in coastal and marine resource management, food security, and solid waste management. Issues raised included the increasing volume of plastic waste entering coastal areas, limited resources for effective enforcement of MPA regulations, and the need for stronger grassroots participation in conservation initiatives.

The Eco Kolek team, in turn, expressed its eagerness to explore collaborative partnerships with San Vicente stakeholders. Roa highlighted the importance of co-creation, where communities and organizations work hand-in-hand to design solutions that are both innovative and context-sensitive.

Expanding the Advocacy Beyond Puerto Princesa

During the discussions, Project Zacch also introduced Farm Konek, another initiative that connects sustainable agriculture with community livelihood and food security. By integrating both waste management and food systems in the conversation, the team underscored the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the holistic solutions needed to address them.

Moving Toward Shared Solutions

Participants welcomed Eco Kolek’s presence, recognizing how its experience could provide a model for localized efforts in San Vicente. Local officials expressed optimism that such collaborations could help strengthen both their waste management systems and marine protection initiatives.

For Eco Kolek, the forum was not only an opportunity to share milestones but also to listen and learn from another community’s struggles and aspirations. As Roa reflected, “Every forum like this reminds us that protecting our oceans and communities is a shared responsibility. The solutions will always be stronger when we create them together.”