The Philippine Red Cross and the City Government recently turned over to barangay Recodo various equipment and waste characterization study (WACS) results in line with the “Promotion of a Green and Circular Economy through Civil Society Engagement and Good Governance in Highly Urbanized Coastal Cities in the Philippines” program.

The items turned over are essential tools for the development and updating of the Solid Waste Management Program of Recodo, one of the 8 barangays in the city identified for the Circular Economy program.

The Recodo turnover activity was the second in a series, resulting from the joint agreement entered into by the PRC and the city government in September 2023 that aim to strengthen a civil society engagement, promote good governance, and foster a green and circular economy in highly urbanized coastal areas, with a specific focus on addressing solid waste proliferation and its impact on vulnerable communities.

Present during the activity were Recodo barangay officials and community leaders, Red Cross Board of Director Chair Vic Liozo, Red Cross Administrator Josephine Fernandez, Office of City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) personnel led by Engr. Bryle De La Cruz, Sheena Tubaing, Focal on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Community Development Officer Alyssa Trinidad and Isabelo Pinote, Jr.

Barangay Sta. Catalina was the first barangay to have received similar equipment and WACS result as it is one of the 8 as well. The other barangays included in the program are Ayala, Tulungatung, Cawit, Maasin, San Roque, and Baliwasan. (Sheila Covarrubias)