Mandaluyong barangay exchanges recyclable trash for food

Mandaluyong City's Barangay Addition Hills started a program in which residents bring in recyclable trash in exchange for canned goods, rice, and other basic food commodities.

According to Martin Javier's Monday 24 Oras report, the program, called "Palit Basura," not only keeps the community clean, but it also helps locals with their household expenses.

"Naglagay ako ng mga signage sa bahay-bahay, 'Tapat ko, linis ko.' Kaya lang, parang hindi siya naging effective," said Barangay Captain Carlito Cernal, recounting how the program started.

"Doon ko inisip yung konsepto na Palit Basura. Nagre-recycling tayo for this project."

Addition Hills resident Ronald Glodeviza said, "Malaking tulong din sa amin na nagigipit sa ano eh... tulad ng bigas. Malaking bagay sa amin 'yun. Asukal ganyan, de lata, nakakaraos kahit paano."

On "Palit Basura" day, which takes place every two months, locals bring in their recyclable trash which barangay officials then weigh.

Every kilo of trash is worth 25 points. The barangay then hands out a certain amount of food based on the number of points earned.

In the case of local Nanay Feliza, she brought in 33 kilos of trash worth 825 points, enough for four containers of rice and several canned goods.

Meanwhile, the trash doesn't just end up in a landfill but is recycled into eco-bricks.

The barangay also benefits from this recycled trash as the community outpost and planters are made from these eco-bricks.

"Tingnan niyo naman yung basura namin, nama-manage paunti-unti. From waste to eco-bricks product… ayun ang ginagawa namin," said Barangay Captain Cernal. — DVM, GMA Integrated News