Tzu Chi recycling drive gathers volunteers, raises aid for quake victims

Hundreds of volunteers, scholars, youth participants, and community members joined the Tzu Chi Foundation's annual Undas Cemetery Recycling Drive, collecting recyclable materials while raising funds for earthquake victims in Cebu and nearby areas.

Held on 1 and 2 November 2025, the two-day activity continued a tradition that began in 2019 to promote proper waste management, environmental stewardship, and humanitarian service. This year's drive also included a donation campaign for families affected by recent earthquakes.

The foundation said volunteers collected 357.6 kilograms of recyclable materials and raised P23,661.50 in donations. A total of 132 volunteers participated on the first day, collecting 215.1 kilograms of recyclables, while 82 volunteers gathered an additional 142.5 kilograms on the second day. The collected materials included PET bottles, hard plastics, cartons, and aluminum cans.

Rosalie Magdadaro, a Tzu Chi volunteer, said she encouraged her sons, who are both Tzu Chi scholars, to join the activity to instill responsibility and compassion.

"I encouraged my sons to take part because I want them to learn responsibility and compassion from a young age," she said.

Engineer Carlito Mendoza Jr., cemetery manager, welcomed the initiative, saying it helped keep the cemetery clean despite the large number of visitors during Undas.

"With so many visitors and our limited manpower, this support truly means a lot. It's really inspiring and important because we are now focusing on sustainability," Mendoza said, adding that plastic waste contributes to flooding and environmental damage.

Community youth volunteer Rejan Sacedor said the activity taught him the importance of proper waste segregation and encouraged young people to take part in environmental protection efforts.

Mary Ann Cuyos, who received a blanket made from recycled plastic bottles after Super Typhoon Yolanda, said seeing volunteers collect recyclables inspired her to support the foundation's efforts.

"What you are doing right now is truly helping to clean up the environment, making sure no plastic waste is left around the cemetery. Your efforts are meaningful and far-reaching," she said.

According to the foundation, the recycling program promotes environmental awareness, proper waste segregation, and humanitarian action while supporting several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, and partnerships. The group said it plans to expand partnerships with schools, barangays, and private companies to reach more communities and strengthen environmental awareness.