Stakeholders are pushing for the implementation of the Cash Cycled Project in public elementary and secondary schools in Zambales, promoting recycling and proper waste segregation.

In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on 6 August 2025, the initiative aims to sell collected plastic bottles, fostering sustainability through the active participation of schools and local communities.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales, Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Zambales, and Foo Chi Trading and Resources Inc. signed the agreement at the SBMA Boardroom.

According to SBMA OIC Senior Deputy Administrator Amethya Dela Llana-Koval, the project marks a milestone in environmental and youth empowerment programs. She said it encourages collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and schools to build sustainable practices.

DTI Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad said the collected plastic bottles will be sold to Foo Chi Trading and Resources Inc., with proceeds supporting school activities or environmental initiatives.

“This Agreement covers all participating public elementary and secondary schools within the Schools Division of Zambales,” he said.

The Cash Cycled Project states that all income from the sale of plastic bottles will be deposited in a designated school fund account and used solely for environmental projects, supplies, or student development programs, in line with DepEd’s financial policies and auditing rules.

A joint monitoring team composed of representatives from each party will meet at least once per semester, or as needed, to evaluate progress, address issues, and recommend improvements.