Total Recyclables Collected: 362,459 kilos
Eco Warriors Learn Dishwashing Liquid and Hand Soap Production in Partnership with LEDIPO
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan — The Project Zacchaeus Cooperative (PZC) - Eco Kolek Program, in partnership with the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO), conducted a livelihood training on dishwashing liquid and hand soap production on June 30 at the Multipurpose Hall in Purok Firetree, Barangay Sicsican. The training brought together eight PZC staff members, 31 Eco Warriors, two LEDIPO staff, and a trainer, forming part of Eco Kolek's continuing effort to equip its community with practical, income-generating skills.
Mitchell Gimena
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan — The Project Zacchaeus Cooperative (PZC) - Eco Kolek Program, in partnership with the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO), conducted a livelihood training on dishwashing liquid and hand soap production on June 30 at the Multipurpose Hall in Purok Firetree, Barangay Sicsican. The training brought together eight PZC staff members, 31 Eco Warriors, two LEDIPO staff, and a trainer, forming part of Eco Kolek's continuing effort to equip its community with practical, income-generating skills.
Ms. Ihra Janine formally opened the activity and introduced LEDIPO as the program's training partner, an office that supports the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises across the city. In his remarks, Dennis Creach Barcelona expressed his appreciation for LEDIPO's support in making the training possible and commended the Eco Warriors for their consistent commitment to capacity-building activities.
Participants were divided into two specialized sessions — dishwashing liquid production and hand soap making — allowing the program to extend the training to a greater number of beneficiaries. Trainer Annabelle Maderazo, introduced by LEDIPO staff member Jane Rose Cawaling, opened her session by sharing her personal journey as a solo parent who once relied on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) before building a livelihood through soap and dishwashing liquid production herself. Her story of perseverance resonated deeply with the Eco Warriors, many of whom saw their own experiences reflected in her account. "Ang buhay ay punong-puno ng pag-asa. Huwag lang tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Mahalin natin ang ibinibigay sa ating pagkakataon," she told participants, encouraging them to embrace the opportunity before them.
Under Maderazo's guidance, participants in the dishwashing session were introduced to the full range of ingredients used in the formulation process, while those in the hand soap session learned the materials and techniques specific to their product. Beyond the technical formulation process, both groups gained practical knowledge in product costing and basic entrepreneurship — skills intended to prepare them for potential livelihood ventures of their own. By the end of the training, the dishwashing group had produced 18 liters across 25 finished bottles, while the hand soap group produced 16 liters across 23 finished bottles.
Following the hands-on sessions, Jane Rose Cawaling thanked Eco Kolek and Joyce Oliverio for the continued partnership with LEDIPO before awarding certificates of participation to the Eco Warriors. She also briefed participants on incentives available to aspiring entrepreneurs under Section 7 of Ordinance No. 1128, including a one-year free business permit, a tax holiday upon renewal in the following year, and free regulatory fees — benefits participants may access by visiting the LEDIPO office at Old City Hall, Sta. Monica Heights.
Beyond the practical skills imparted, the training left participants inspired by stories of resilience and hope, strengthening their confidence to pursue livelihood opportunities and reinforcing the value of continuous learning and community support.
Through livelihood trainings such as this one, PZC-Eco Kolek continues to build pathways toward sustainable income and economic empowerment for its community of Eco Warriors, in partnership with government agencies committed to inclusive local economic development.
