Robinsons Supermarket and Go Hotels Partner with Eco Kolek for Waste Segregation and Collection
The partnership ensures that recyclables from these major business establishments will now be systematically separated and collected by trained Eco-Warriors. More than just pick-ups, the collaboration also includes a knowledge-sharing component, where Eco-Warriors guide and teach staff from Robinsons and Go Hotels on waste characterization—a process that identifies different types of waste to ensure proper disposal, recovery, and recycling.
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – Exciting progress is taking place in the city’s solid waste management initiatives as Robinsons Supermarket and Go Hotels officially partnered with Eco Kolek, in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU), to strengthen efforts in recyclable waste segregation and collection.
The partnership ensures that recyclables from these major business establishments will now be systematically separated and collected by trained Eco-Warriors. More than just pick-ups, the collaboration also includes a knowledge-sharing component, where Eco-Warriors guide and teach staff from Robinsons and Go Hotels on waste characterization—a process that identifies different types of waste to ensure proper disposal, recovery, and recycling.
A Milestone in Private-Public Partnership
The initiative was made possible through the facilitation of USAID’s Clean Cities Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, which continues to support Eco Kolek and Project Zacchaeus in building stronger networks with private and public stakeholders. By directly engaging Robinsons’ top management, USAID CCBO opened doors for a meaningful collaboration that not only benefits the establishments but also contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable Puerto Princesa.
According to Brian Agustin, Operations Manager of Eco Kolek, the partnership is a huge step forward for the Eco-Warriors.
“Hindi lang basta koleksyon ang ginagawa ng ating mga Eco-Warriors. They are also teaching businesses how to properly segregate and characterize their waste, which makes this a win-win situation for the community and for the environment.”
Empowering the Eco-Warriors
For the Eco-Warriors—informal waste collectors who are now trained professionals—this partnership adds dignity and value to their work. By being invited into major business establishments, they are not only recognized as frontliners of sustainability but also empowered as educators and advocates for environmental responsibility.
“Dati tahimik lang sila, nangongolekta ng basura. Pero ngayon, they are in uniform, with knowledge and skills, and are respected as partners by companies like Robinsons and Go Hotels,” shared Project Zacchaeus founder John Vincent Gastanes in a recorded message.
A Collective Step for a Cleaner City
Local officials also welcomed the collaboration, noting how vital it is for large establishments to actively participate in waste management efforts. The LGU highlighted that this joint effort can serve as a model for other businesses in Puerto Princesa to follow.
With more institutions joining the program, Eco Kolek envisions a future where waste segregation and recycling are not just tasks for individuals or households but a city-wide movement embraced by businesses, communities, and the local government.
Looking Ahead
This milestone adds to the growing list of partnerships Eco Kolek has forged to strengthen solid waste management practices in Puerto Princesa. With continued support from USAID CCBO and the active participation of the private sector, the Eco-Warriors are determined to lead by example and inspire more businesses to rethink their waste practices.
Indeed, amazing things are happening in the Eco Kolek community—proof that when local communities, government, and businesses work together, sustainability becomes more than just a vision; it becomes reality.
