San Nicolas Residents Embrace ‘Palit-Basura’ Program to Exchange Trash for Essentials

SAN NICOLAS, ILOCOS NORTE — The residents of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, are actively participating in a local government initiative dubbed ‘Palit-Basura,’ which allows them to trade in recyclable waste for school supplies and household essentials.

According to Philippines News Agency, principal of the Pasion-Barangay Memorial Elementary School, the program is designed to promote responsible waste management and community engagement. Participants, including teachers, students, and parents, collect various recyclable materials, such as plastic wrappers and shampoo sachets, and exchange them for points at the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) every Tuesday and Thursday.

The initiative has reportedly led to significant environmental contributions, with Pascua noting a recent collection of 191 kilograms of mixed paper, which was traded for valuable supplies like school and office materials, and toiletries. Councilor Nestor Ribao from San Pablo village highlighted the behavioral shift among residents who now see potential value in what was once considered mere trash, contributing further to local sustainability efforts.

Items collected through the program have been exchanged for practical goods including bond paper, broomsticks, hand soap, and even garden tools. MENRO has expanded the range of acceptable items to include worn-out electronics and sanitized glass bottles and tin cans, offering an even broader array of exchangeable goods like memory flash drives and office supplies.

The success of the ‘Palit-Basura’ program in San Nicolas not only fosters community cooperation but also supports the town’s reputation for industry and environmental consciousness.