Eco Kolek Shares Stories on DWIZ’s Share Mo Nao
Broadcasted live from Barangay Jacana, the episode featured a heartfelt interview with Nanay Lydia, the president of Samahan ng Mamamayan ng Jacana (SMJ). With courage and humility, she recounted her experiences as a long-time waste picker and shared how Eco Kolek, through the support of USAID’s Clean Cities Blue Ocean program, has brought new hope and dignity to their community.
On a bright morning in Puerto Princesa, the inspiring stories of our Eco-Warriors took center stage on DWIZ’s popular program Share Mo Nao, anchored by Naomi Socrates. The program, known for highlighting community initiatives and grassroots movements, gave Project Zacchaeus’ Eco Kolek a platform to share its journey in transforming the lives of waste pickers and their role in environmental stewardship.
Broadcasted live from Barangay Jacana, the episode featured a heartfelt interview with Nanay Lydia, the president of Samahan ng Mamamayan ng Jacana (SMJ). With courage and humility, she recounted her experiences as a long-time waste picker and shared how Eco Kolek, through the support of USAID’s Clean Cities Blue Ocean program, has brought new hope and dignity to their community.
“Dati, akala namin hanggang dito na lang kami. Pero dahil sa Eco Kolek, nakita namin na mahalaga pala ang aming ginagawa para sa lungsod at para sa kalikasan,” Nanay Lydia said.
She spoke about the challenges of being a waste picker — long days under the sun, exposure to health risks, and the stigma often attached to their work. But today, with the initiatives of Eco Kolek, their lives are slowly changing. Through the project, waste pickers like Lydia and her peers are now provided with personal protective uniforms, insurance coverage, vehicles, and the necessary tools to make their work not only more efficient but also safer and more dignified.
Anchor Naomi Socrates expressed admiration for the program, highlighting how rare it is to see grassroots solutions truly empowering marginalized communities. She noted that Eco Kolek is not just about waste collection — it is about restoring dignity, creating livelihoods, and promoting environmental sustainability.
The live broadcast also shed light on how the Eco Kolek initiative connects with broader environmental goals, such as reducing marine plastic pollution, promoting circular economy practices, and instilling climate consciousness in local communities. By professionalizing the role of waste pickers, Eco Kolek is helping shift perceptions — from seeing them as “informal collectors” to recognizing them as frontline environmental defenders.
The episode concluded with a powerful reminder from Socrates: “Ang kwento ng Eco Kolek ay hindi lamang kwento ng basura. Isa itong kwento ng pag-asa, pagbabago, at pagkakaisa ng komunidad.”
Indeed, Eco Kolek’s journey continues to inspire, proving that with the right partnerships and strong community leadership, even those often overlooked by society can rise as Eco-Warriors — champions of both people and planet.