CHRISTMAS is breathing through the corner in the City of Makati.
The city’s Department of Environmental Services opened on Monday the 13th “3B sa Pasko” project, an annual recyclables fair at the ground floor of Makati City Hall Building II that will run until Dec. 2.
The project—dubbed as “Basura’y Bawasan, Balik-Gamitin at Baguhin ang Anyo sa Pasko” or 3B,—is open to shoppers from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It features booths with eco-friendly and affordable Christmas decorations, wallets, bags, figurines and novelty items made out of recyclables.
“The turnout of participants in the bazaar is heartening. So far, we already have 18 participants from various barangays, schools, and non-government organizations. We are still expecting additional participants,” said Mayor Abigail Binay.
Binay invited residents and clients at City Hall to visit the bazaar and buy Christmas decors for their homes and offices.
“I encourage the public to support the project, which aims to promote waste diversion and segregation at source by providing a venue for entrepreneurs, including residents and students, to sell their products made from recycled materials,” she said.
According to DES head Leopoldo Parumog, six barangays have joined the fair to date.
These are Pinagkaisahan, Carmona, Guadalupe Viejo, Kasilawan, Cembo, and San Lorenzo Village.
On the other hand, seven schools have set up their own booths, namely, Pitogo High School, San Antonio High School, Bangkal High School, Makati High School, Makati Science High School, Makati Elementary School, and Pembo Elementary School.
The rest of the participants consist of three non government organizations – Makati PWD (person with disability), Tejeros NGO; Women’s Watch of Barangay Pinagkaisahan, and New Life of Guadalupe Nuevo.
The participants and their merchandise will be evaluated by two representatives from the Metro Manila Development Authority and DES planning head Dr. Lydia Farol for the “Best Booth” and “Best Product” awards in the barangay, school and NGO categories. Winners will receive plaques of recognition on December 7 at the Session Hall, 22nd floor, Makati City Hall Building I.
The criteria for “Best Booth” include quantity and creative use of recycled materials (40 percent), aesthetic appeal of booth (40percent), and proper labeling of products displayed (20 percent). The “Best Product” award points will depend on the amount of recyclables used (40 percent); usefulness, creativity and originality (20 percent each).
In 2015, some 14 participants were able to convert a total of 17,846 kgs. of recyclable waste into novelty items.
The sale of these items in the 2015 “3B sa Pasko” generated P94,110 in gross sales.
In 2014, 19 participants were able to divert 23,214 kgs. of waste, and generated P149,447 worth of sales.
“3B sa Pasko” was launched in November 2003 by DES as an annual Christmas project to encourage all sectors in Makati to better understand and comply with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which is supported by City Ordinance No. “ª2003-095, the Solid Waste Management Code of Makati.
The city’s programs and projects focusing on waste segregation and diversion have helped reduce the volume of waste collected from households and business establishments in the city over the years.