PEP

Coca-Cola, Baler boost PET recycling efforts

DT · Aug 15, 2026, 12:01 AM

A surf rake provided by Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines to the Municipality of Baler in 2019 helps facilitate regular and efficient beach-cleaning operations in the coastal town. — PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of CCEAP

Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) and the Municipality of Baler, Aurora, have strengthened their partnership on waste management with the turnover of collection bins and a baling machine for clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.

The initiative, supported by the Baler Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Environment, is part of CCEAP’s “Tapon to Ipon” program, which aims to improve the collection, segregation and recovery of PET bottles across Baler’s 13 barangays.

The equipment is expected to help the municipality improve its waste management operations and recycling efficiency.

“We are grateful for Coca-Cola's continued contribution to our environmental initiatives. At the end of the day, we recognize that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. This partnership will help strengthen our efforts, while fostering greater awareness and participation among residents and visitors as we continue to keep Baler clean, sustainable, and welcoming for all,” Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan Angara said.

CCEAP vice president for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada said the latest support builds on the company's yearslong environmental partnership with Baler.

“It is encouraging to see our partnership with the Municipality of Baler grow over the years, from supporting the community with a surf rake to the provision of collection bins and a baling machine. These initiatives not only help strengthen PET collection and recovery efforts but also support the municipality's broader waste management goals. We look forward to continuing to work together on more environmental programs in the future,” Tañada said.

CCEAP previously provided a surf rake tractor to Baler in 2019 to support regular and efficient beach-cleaning operations.

The company said it continues to work with local government units and communities nationwide to strengthen waste management systems and encourage collective action toward more sustainable communities.