MGen Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen)―the renewable energy unit of Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen)―recently launched the Basura-Palit-Gamit-Eskwela program to its host communities to instill environmental awareness among Filipino students.
Anchored on One Meralco’s Race to Zero Waste program, MGreen introduced the new initiative through its subsidiaries BulacanSol, a 55-MWac (megawatt, alternating current) solar power plant in San Miguel, Bulacan, and PH Renewables Inc. (PHRI), a 75 -Mwac solar power plant in Baras, Rizal.
Basura-Palit-Gamit-Eskwela program aims to promote environmental awareness, preservation, and sustainability.
Through this program, students from BulacanSol and PHRI host communities have the chance to obtain various school supplies in exchange for recyclable materials such as newspapers, cardboard, plastic bottles and caps, papers, cans and plastic food wrappers. It also supports the implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, to prevent pollution.
In its initial run, a total of 175 kilos of recyclable materials were collected from more than 400 students from San Juan Elementary School in San Miguel, Bulacan and Pinugay Eementary School in Baras, Rizal. In exchange, they received various school supplies including pencils, crayons, notebooks, among others.
The collection and recycling of waste were done in partnership with GreenAntz Builders Inc., an environmental solution company that provides eco-friendly practices and green technology solutions.
Students of Pinugay Elementary School, Baras, Rizal weigh-in recyclable materials in exchange for school supplies.
“By instilling environmental awareness at a young age, we aim to foster a generation of responsible individuals who make sustainable practices part of their lifestyle,” said Jaime T. Azurin, president and chief executive officer, Meralco PowerGen Corporation-Global Business Power Corp. (MGen-GBP).
According to engineer Wilfredo Santos, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office Head of San Miguel, Bulacan, the program complements the local government unit’s efforts in promoting ecological solid waste management among the residents of San Miguel, Bulacan.
Meanwhile, school principal Margie Mapa of Pinugay Elementary School expressed appreciation for the program, saying it helps augment their students’ school supplies, aside from promoting environmental stewardship.
More than delivering sustainable power to its stakeholders, MGreen is committed to powering the good life of Filipinos through its social development programs, which are all anchored on One Meralco’s sustainability agenda.