Archival promotes reuse, recycling of poll materials

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City mayor-elect Nestor Archival, an advocate for environmental sustainability, is calling for the reuse and recycling of campaign materials following the May 12 midterm elections.

Archival’s initiative aligned with the earlier appeal of Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga who urged the public to take part in responsible waste disposal.

Through his social media platforms, Archival shared that his team has been conducting its own Operation Baklas, via the Nestor Archival Rescue and Fire Brigade (NARF).

Archival also encouraged citizens to remove campaign posters from their properties and, where possible, reuse or recycle them.

For those opting to discard campaign materials, Archival reminded the public to dispose of them properly, emphasizing that improper disposal could clog drainage systems and could lead to flooding.

“Another day, another opportunity to make Cebu greener and more livable for all,” he posted.

Archival also revealed that some of his campaign tarpaulins are being donated to the Bayanihan Women’s Group in Barangay Luz for upcycling while extending invitation to individuals and organizations interested in repurposing tarpaulins for useful projects.

“If anyone else would like to repurpose some of these tarps for useful projects, just send me or the NARF Brigade a message with your name or organization, contact number, and location so we can reach out to you,” he stated.

Earlier, Environment Secretary Loyzaga directed the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) and its regional offices to spearhead the collection, repurposing, reuse, and recycling of campaign materials nationwide. She also urged public participation in these efforts.

The EMB is collaborating with Green Convergence, a multi-sectoral coalition committed to sustainability, along with other non-government partners, to reduce the environmental impact of plastics, posters, and tarpaulins.

“Organizations like Green Convergence… will serve as valuable allies in this initiative, providing guidance and resources for effective recycling efforts,” Loyzaga said.

In her appeal, Loyzaga highlighted the need for collective responsibility in environmental conservation.

“Being responsible stewards of the environment demonstrates our love for our nation and our commitment to a brighter future for all Filipinos,” she said.

The directive aims to address post-election pollution and prevent discarded materials from contaminating waterways, harming biodiversity, and degrading natural landscapes.

“By repurposing campaign materials, we protect biodiversity in our lands and our oceans while creating economic opportunities and household benefits for our communities,” Loyzaga added.

DENR Assistant Secretary for Environment and EMB Director Jacqueline Caancan has instructed EMB regional offices to organize clean-up activities and collect campaign tarpaulins until yesterday or within five days of the elections. These offices will also report the quantity of recovered materials and their destinations for reuse and recycling.

Additionally, regional offices are also tasked to coordinate with local government units to designate drop-off points and to provide information on proper recycling and upcycling techniques.

“These initiatives not only mitigate the environmental impact of discarded campaign materials but also foster community responsibility among Filipinos,” Caancan said.

“In protecting our environment, responsibility lies not just with a select few, but with each and every one of us… It is our duty to ensure that our actions today do not compromise the future of generations to come,” Secretary Loyzaga concluded. — (FREEMAN)