Joyce Oliverio:
Leading Community Engagement for a Circular Economy

As part of our "Voices of Circular Economy" series, Eco Kolek is proud to introduce Joyce Oliverio, our new Community Engagement Supervisor. Joyce brings a wealth of experience and academic knowledge to her role, having previously taught at Western Philippines University and holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing. She is currently finishing her Master’s in Public Administration at the same institution. Joyce’s strong background in education, business, and public administration equips her with a unique skill set that is essential for her work in fostering community engagement and driving sustainable change.

"Building a circular economy requires the active participation of every sector, from local households to international development partners. I lead our engagement efforts to ensure that the community understands, supports, and takes pride in the work of our Eco Warriors," Joyce shares.

A Strong Foundation in Education and Public Administration

Joyce’s journey to Eco Kolek is rooted in her passion for community development and her strong foundation in both business and public service. Before joining Eco Kolek, Joyce spent a year as a university teacher at Western Philippines University, where she taught business and marketing courses. She also served several years at the Registrar's Office of the same university. This experience allowed her to develop a deep understanding of effective communication, leadership, and community relations, all of which are vital skills in her new role at Eco Kolek.

Her academic background, combined with her ongoing studies in Master in Public Administration, gives Joyce a comprehensive understanding of how public policies intersect with community development and sustainability efforts. As she completes her Master’s degree, Joyce is bringing fresh perspectives to her work, focusing on ways to enhance community participation and ensuring that Eco Kolek’s programs align with local policies and community needs.

Leading Community Engagement and Empowerment

As the Community Engagement Supervisor, Joyce is at the forefront of Eco Kolek’s efforts to foster community involvement in the organization’s waste management programs. Her work revolves around ensuring that communities not only understand the importance of sustainable waste management but also actively participate in creating a circular economy. Joyce’s role is to build strong, lasting relationships with local residents, government leaders, and Eco Warriors, empowering them to take pride in the work being done and to see the long-term benefits of a cleaner environment.

"My role is to ensure that our efforts resonate with the community and that we build partnerships that are founded on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect," Joyce says. By coordinating with various sectors, including local households and development partners, Joyce works to ensure that everyone plays an active role in shaping the future of Puerto Princesa’s waste management system.

Engaging Communities for a Sustainable Future

Joyce’s approach to community engagement is centered on education and empowerment. She works tirelessly to communicate Eco Kolek’s mission, ensuring that all community members understand the importance of their involvement in sustainable practices. Through her efforts, Eco Kolek aims to instill a sense of ownership among residents, making them feel that their participation in waste segregation and recycling is a valuable contribution to the environment and the community’s future.

Her leadership extends beyond just communicating the “why” of circular economy practices; Joyce also focuses on the “how.” She ensures that communities have the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. Her work is pivotal in shaping a community-driven approach to waste management that will continue to thrive and grow, fostering lasting environmental change.

Looking Ahead: Driving Impact and Change

With Joyce’s leadership, Eco Kolek’s community engagement initiatives are poised for continued success. Her background in education and public administration, coupled with her deep understanding of community dynamics, will help drive Eco Kolek’s efforts toward a more sustainable, circular economy. As Eco Kolek expands its reach, Joyce’s work will be critical in ensuring that communities continue to understand, support, and take pride in the sustainable changes that are being made.

We are excited to have Joyce as part of the Eco Kolek team. Her dedication to community empowerment and sustainable practices will be key in creating long-term change, ensuring that Puerto Princesa remains a cleaner, greener city for generations to come.