Total Recyclables Collected: 327, 656 kilos
PZC-Eco Kolek Distributes Rain Gear to Eco Warriors Ahead of Rainy Season
The Project Zacchaeus Cooperative (PZC) - Eco Kolek Program distributed rain gear sets to its Eco Warriors on May 29, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of the environmental frontline workers who carry out house-to-house recyclable collection across the city. The activity, held at the Multipurpose Hall in Purok Firetree, Barangay Sicsican, brought together seven Eco Kolek staff members and 14 Eco Warriors for a one-hour session.
Mitchell Gimena
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan — The Project Zacchaeus Cooperative (PZC) - Eco Kolek Program distributed rain gear sets to its Eco Warriors on May 29, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of the environmental frontline workers who carry out house-to-house recyclable collection across the city. The activity, held at the Multipurpose Hall in Purok Firetree, Barangay Sicsican, brought together seven Eco Kolek staff members and 14 Eco Warriors for a one-hour session.
The initiative equipped each Eco Warrior with a complete rain gear set — a rain jacket with a hood, rain pants, and boots — intended to protect them from the elements as they continue their daily collection rounds through unpredictable weather. Joyce Oliverio delivered the opening remarks, after which she and Dennis Creach Barcelona formally presented the gear to the participants.
In his remarks, Barcelona clarified that the rain gear was provided strictly as a protective measure and should not be interpreted as encouragement to continue collection activities during severe weather. He explained that the gear is meant for situations in which Eco Warriors are unexpectedly caught in light rain while on their rounds, and reiterated that when heavy rainfall, storms, or typhoons are expected, collection activities should be postponed or canceled altogether. "Gusto ko lang linawin sa inyo na hindi dahil binigyan namin kayo ng raincoat ay susuungin n'yo na ang malakas na ulan para mag-collection. Hindi po iyon. Ibinigay po ito sakaling maabutan kayo ng ulan habang nangongolekta o kapag ambon-ambon lamang. Ngunit kapag inaasahan na nating magiging malakas ang ulan o may bagyo, pinapayuhan na pong kanselahin ang collection. Muli, mas mahalaga ang inyong seguridad at kaligtasan," Barcelona said, underscoring that the safety and welfare of the Eco Warriors remain the program's foremost priority.
Barcelona also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the Eco Warriors for their continued dedication to house-to-house recyclable collection, noting the significant role they play in reducing plastic pollution and advancing proper waste management and environmental stewardship within the community.
Beyond the distribution of protective equipment, the activity served as an opportunity to reinforce safety protocols for inclement weather and to recognize the contributions of the Eco Warriors to the program's broader environmental mission. Organizers noted that the initiative strengthened morale among participants and reaffirmed the trust and partnership between the Eco Warriors and the PZC-Eco Kolek Program.
Through this initiative, PZC-Eco Kolek reaffirmed its commitment to providing its Eco Warriors with safe, dignified, and sustainable working conditions, ensuring they remain protected and equipped to continue their vital environmental role in the community, rain or shine.
