Mariveles, Bataan – The Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) is leading the way in repurposing waste materials into livelihood opportunities in the province through the “Waste to Material” program.

The said initiative by the AboitizPower is through its GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), with the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The two institutions trained 50 women from this town during the Waste to Material Program under Project Saysay. The employee-led initiative of AboitizPower aims to transform discarded plastic materials, including election campaign tarpaulins, into eco-friendly products like bags, plant pots, faux lamps, and other home decors.

The program was held at the MWMCPC Event Place in Barangay Poblacion as the program trained spouses of municipal utility workers and garbage truck drivers in making the said eco-friendly products.

According to the Bataan Ten-Year Solid Waste Management Plan for 2018-2027, the province estimates that 310.6 tons of solid waste is generated per day, projected to rise to 396.6 tons per day by next year. Of the total, recyclables make up 72.6 tons (about 23%), underscoring the need for similar projects.

TESDA instructors guided the participants in transforming tarps and plastic waste into practical household items and creative décor. Meanwhile, the GMEC and GNPD team distributed toolkits, which include scissors, glue guns, soldering irons, cutters, spray paint, cable ties, and recyclables, to help all 50 beneficiaries kickstart their ventures.

Project Saysay is GMEC and GNPD’s monthly outreach program where employee-birthday celebrators volunteer their time to give back to the community, highlighting the company’s thrust to co-create safe, empowered, and sustainable communities.

The project was made possible in collaboration with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Mariveles, further strengthening the partnership between AboitizPower and the LGU in promoting sustainable practices. Just last month, MENRO also welcomed the team’s support during the Arbor Day tree-planting activity, showing a unified advocacy to build a greener, more sustainable Bataan.

According to Lolita Manrique, one of the beneficiaries, “I used to ignore used tarps and bottles, but now I realize their value. This program gave me a new way to help provide for my family and care for the environment. This is a big help, especially for those without jobs.”

“The training helped participants realize they could repurpose everyday waste at home,” said Sarah Rose Maglaya, one of the TESDA trainers. “One of our biggest challenges was securing the materials.  With the kits provided, they started creating right away and even continued at home.”

GMEC and GNPD are private limited partnerships. AboitizPower has a 78.3% effective partnership interest in GMEC and a 70% effective partnership interest in GNPD.