Eco Warriors join LGU Sicsican Flag Ceremony
The attendance of the Eco Warriors aligns with the new local mandate requiring accredited organizations to participate in the flag-raising ceremony held every first Monday of the month. Standing alongside barangay officials, staff, and representatives from other civic organizations, the waste collectors demonstrated their transition from informal workers to recognized civic partners.
by MItchell Gimena
12/15/20252 min read
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — In a symbolic move toward full institutional integration, the Eco Warriors of Project Zacchaeus (PZC) participated in the Sicsican Barangay Flag Raising Ceremony. This marks the group's first official appearance at the monthly civic event following the passage of a barangay resolution that formally recognizes them as a legitimate community organization.
The attendance of the Eco Warriors aligns with the new local mandate requiring accredited organizations to participate in the flag-raising ceremony held every first Monday of the month. Standing alongside barangay officials, staff, and representatives from other civic organizations, the waste collectors demonstrated their transition from informal workers to recognized civic partners.
Civic Integration and Leadership Support
The ceremony was led by Barangay Captain Bobby Parangue and Councilor Rhoy Dalumpines, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment. Both officials publicly acknowledged the presence of the Eco Warriors, underscoring the critical role the group plays in the barangay's environmental sustainability and community development efforts.
"Their involvement highlights their integration into community affairs and reinforces their commitment to supporting barangay initiatives," the post-activity report noted.
The regular participation of the Eco Warriors in these civic functions serves to normalize their status as professional service providers within the community, reinforcing the social inclusion goals of the Eco-Kolek program.
Formalizing Grassroots Environmental Stewardship
This civic engagement follows the Sangguniang Barangay of Sicsican's formal recognition of the Eco Warriors through Resolution No. 138, Series of 2025, enacted on November 7, 2025. Co-authored by Barangay Councilors Rhoy M. Dalumpines and Michael C. Escote, the resolution designates the Eco Warriors—informal waste collectors organized under the Eco-Kolek program—as key allies of the Barangay Committee on Environment. This legislative action aligns with the Local Government Code of 1991, which mandates barangays to promote general welfare and ecological protection.
The resolution acknowledges the PZC Eco-Kolek program as a vital grassroots-led initiative that supports the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003). It specifically highlights the Eco Warriors' role in:
Waste Reduction and Segregation: Implementing effective community-level segregation to divert recyclable materials from landfills.
Circular Economy Promotion: Facilitating the recovery of materials to re-enter the production cycle, thereby reducing environmental impact.
Inclusive Participation: Transforming informal waste collection into a recognized, professional service that contributes to community health.
Commitment to Institutional Support
By granting official recognition, Barangay Sicsican commits to actively supporting the Eco Warriors' operations. This partnership integrates the volunteer workforce into the barangay’s broader environmental strategy, ensuring they receive the necessary institutional backing to carry out their duties effectively.
The passage of Resolution No. 138 and the Eco Warriors' participation in civic ceremonies mark significant steps in professionalizing the informal waste sector in Puerto Princesa, establishing a collaborative model between local government and community-based environmental groups.
