Eco-Warriors Train for Garbage Collection

As the Eco Kolek Project gears up for the start of its full operations, our Eco-Warriors are preparing themselves not only with tools and equipment but also with the skills needed to engage meaningfully with the communities they will serve.

Recently, the Eco-Warriors underwent a training workshop focused on house-to-house campaigning as part of the project’s pre-operation activities. This initiative aims to build familiarity and trust between the Eco-Warriors and the households included in the route collection plan.

Building Connections with Households

During the training, the Eco-Warriors were provided with scripts and communication guides that they can use when introducing themselves to families and residents. These scripts are designed to help them clearly explain the objectives of Eco Kolek, including how waste segregation and proper plastic collection contribute to protecting the environment, reducing pollution, and keeping Puerto Princesa’s communities and oceans clean.

More importantly, the scripts are a way to build confidence and consistency—allowing Eco-Warriors, many of whom are former informal waste pickers, to speak with pride about their role as champions of the city’s environmental efforts.

Developing Confidence and Leadership

The workshop also emphasized public speaking and self-expression skills. Many Eco-Warriors expressed that they had never spoken formally in front of strangers before, and this training gave them the confidence to share their stories and explain the project’s vision. With every practice introduction and role-play, they grew more comfortable in presenting themselves as partners in environmental stewardship rather than just waste collectors.

“This training is not only about garbage collection—it’s about learning to value ourselves and to let the community know that what we do is important,” shared one Eco-Warrior after the session.

A Step Toward Dignity and Empowerment

By equipping Eco-Warriors with communication skills, the project is helping them step into their new roles with dignity and assurance. They are no longer just “informal waste pickers” working on the sidelines; they are now Eco-Warriors—trained, uniformed, and empowered individuals who represent the future of waste management in Puerto Princesa.

This pre-operation training is just one of many steps toward ensuring that once the project goes live, both the households and Eco-Warriors are prepared for smooth, collaborative, and effective collection activities.

Looking Ahead

The excitement is growing, and with each training session, the Eco-Warriors are becoming more than ready to hit the ground running. Soon, they will not only be collecting waste but also building bridges with the community, inspiring behavior change, and proving that environmental protection begins at the grassroots level.

💙 With their confidence growing and their purpose clearer than ever, our Eco-Warriors are set to bring dignity, sustainability, and positive change to every household they visit.

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