Ajinomoto, BEST, and Quezon City’s LGU share the SariCycle® journey from its conception to where it is today
L-R: Johnkarl Manimbo – APC Sustainability Specialist, Japhet Bulingit – Corporate Sustainability Associate (BEST), Jonalyn Peñas – Business Development Officer (BEST), Andrea Villaroman – Head of QC CCESD, Ernie Carlos – APC Chief Sustainability Officer, Engr. Ceidge Razon – Corporate Sustainability Manager (BEST), Claire Vinarao – Chief, Adaptation Division (CCESD), Maribel Marquez – Acting Chief, Resource Efficiency Section (CCESD) and Kirstoff Buyoc – APC Sustainability Executive.
The Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (QC CCESD), Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST), and Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) are pleased to commemorate the SariCycle® Program’s six-month milestone. Since its debut in January 2024, this innovative program has successfully gathered over 4,000 kg of single-use plastics (SUPs) and has attracted over 600 active participants.
SariCycle® is a collaboration between sustainability and waste management. With an emphasis on gathering and recycling single-use plastic in smaller areas, the program was created to help address the growing issue of plastic waste. This started in a few areas in Quezon City where there are a lot of sari-sari shops. “SariCyclers,” as the participants are called, are rewarded with exclusive product bundles from Ajinomoto Philippines. Additionally, they receive Environmental Points (EPs), which may be exchanged for cash at participating merchants.
Among the participants are key members of Quezon City’s livelihood programs, including beneficiaries of the “Tindahan ni Mayor Joy” initiative and persons with disabilities (PWD) beneficiaries. The collective effort of these SariCyclers has resulted in significant strides in promoting environmental responsibility and awareness.
During the six-month evaluation meeting held at the QC CCESD office, representatives from APC, BEST, and QC CCESD, headed by Ms. Andrea Villaroman, were all in attendance to share and update the program’s current achievements and the challenges ahead. APC’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Ernie Carlos, shared how grateful APC is to the community for their unwavering support and emphasized the importance of the collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“The SariCycle® Program is testament to the positive and impactful effects we can achieve for the good of our environment when we all work towards a more sustainable future. Indeed, we take inspiration from the communities in Quezon City and our partners at BEST, when it comes to being stewards of the environment,” Carlos said.
To acknowledge the company’s role in this environmental effort, Ajinomoto Philippines was honored at BEST’s 25th Anniversary celebration on September 16, 2024, at Crowne Plaza Manila. BEST, a key player in solid waste management in the Philippines, shared how proud they are to have worked with APC, and its dedication to environmental sustainability and awarded the company a plaque of appreciation for its active role in the SariCycle® Program. APC’s Sustainability Executive, Kirstoff Buyoc, accepted the award for Ajinomoto Philippines. He also served as co-presenter for the recognition given to the top-performing SariCyclers during the event.
Key figures in the Circular Economy movement, such as Senator Cynthia Villar, the primary author of the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Law, were also present at the anniversary celebration. This incident demonstrated how crucial public-private sector cooperation is to advancing sustainability measures and bringing about positive environmental change.
Through its continuous activities, Ajinomoto Philippines is steadfast in its commitment to encouraging environmentally conscious behavior and responsible consumption. APC is eager to grow the SariCycle® Program and will keep taking the lead on their projects with a positive attitude. In keeping with their pledge to promote the “Eat Well, Live Well” lifestyle, they will collaborate closely with their partners to create a more sustainable future for everybody.
To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.
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