Beyond the Bin: Advocating for SDG 12 and EPR Act of 2022

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 12 is “Responsible Consumption and Production.” This goal focuses on promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. It aims to achieve efficient use of resources, reduction of waste and pollution, and the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle of products and services. SDG 12 targets include ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, halving global per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels, and encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycles. Overall, SDG 12 aims to contribute to the conservation of natural resources, reduce environmental degradation, and promote sustainable economic growth.

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The EPR Act of 2022, on the other hand, law holds companies accountable for the plastic packaging they produce throughout the lifecycle of their products.

Unlike many EPR systems around the world, the Philippine law includes the recovery of flexible plastic, which has been historically difficult (and sometimes impossible) to sell. This is a game changer for the environment, as it incentivizes people to recover non-recyclable waste.

However, not all businesses in the Philippines will be required to implement an EPR program. For now, the EPR Act of 2022 only applies to large enterprises with assets of over ₱100 million.

Thus, the Rotary Club of Ibaan decided to form a resolution that requests the RI Board to consider establishing corporate partnerships that will support one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus, the Environment.

Here is brief presentation of how RC Ibaan believes we. as a service organization, can help

In March 2, the Club signed a Resolution to be submitted to the RI Board for consideration.

And on March 25, HCP Marge partnered with the Sanitary Engineering students of Batangas State University in an environment talk titled Beyond the Bin: Empowering Young Minds to Sustainable Consumption and Production. This marks the beginning of a series of efforts to spread information and create awareness among our youth, in schools and in the community.

The Rotary Club of Ibaan believes that in working with young leaders, we have a unique opportunity to inspire positive change and contribute to the achievement of our goals. Through collective action and collaboration, Rotary can help build a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Liwanag at Pag-asa: Siyam na Proyekto Hatid ng Mga Rotaryo

The spirit of community service shines brightly through the concerted efforts of the Rotary Clubs of Batangas as they launch a 7-in-1 (+2) activity in the Municipality of San Pascual.  United by a common goal of making a positive impact, different clubs have joined forces and combined their resources to stage one big community project addressing the Seven Areas of Focus of Rotary.

HCP Marge Aberásturi and Rtn Isabel Aberásturi participated in this activity as members of the Basic Education and Literacy Committee.

The group gathered a group of young students for storytelling, and distributed lunch boxes and art materials.

The activity was made more fun by none other than Hope Creating President Aileen Montalbo of the Rotary Club of Downtown Batangas. HCP Aileen has a natural talent of engaging young minds in fun activities.

Indeed, the strength of Rotary lies in its network of dedicated Rotarians who selflessly give their time, skills, and resources to serve others. By leveraging the Seven Areas of Focus as a framework for action, the Rotary Clubs of Batangas were able to address a wide range of issues impacting the municipality.

As Rotary Clubs continue to unite in their mission of service above self, they inspire hope, ignite change, and build a brighter future for generations to come. In a world that often seems divided, Rotary reminds us of the power of unity, compassion, and collective action in creating a better world for all.

7-in-1 (+1) Para sa Ibaan: A Community Project Serving the Ibaeños

Community projects are the cornerstone of positive change, often embodying the spirit of collective effort and goodwill. Rotary International, a global network of problem solvers, has identified seven areas of focus to guide its initiatives: peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation, and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and supporting the environment. The Rotary Club of Ibaan fully supports these initiatives, and as a major project in the Hope Creating Year, the 7-in-1 (+1) Para sa Ibaan project came to fruition.

The Club conducted bloodletting, cataract screening, eye check up, tooth extractions, mental health consultations, livelihood training on dishwashing liquid making, a talk on the law on Violence Against Women and Children, and a talk of the Six Laws of Environmental Protection.

We had 189 pre-registered beneficiaries and 56 walk-in patients who came for eye-check up and tooth extraction, and 28 who attended the livelihood training.

All the activities were free for the beneficiaries. We gave away business starter kits to those who attended the livelihood training, free eye frames for those who were prescribed with corrective lenses, free seedlings for those who attended the talk on environmental protection law , and free antibiotics and mefenamic acid for those who had tooth extraction.

The club also provided food and water to all volunteers and patients.

St. Jude Science and Technological School Interact Club: Champions of Waste Management’s 5 R’s

Today is a day of celebration for the Rotary Club of Ibaan, as we receive the Certificate of Formation for the St. Jude Science and Technological School Interact Club.

The St. Jude Science and Technological School Interact Club is dedicated to championing the 5 R’s of waste management. With a fervent commitment to reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose, and refuse, this club emerges as a beacon of change, fostering a culture of responsible waste management within the school and its surrounding community.

The formation of the Interact Club marks a pivotal moment in the school’s journey towards environmental stewardship. Led by passionate students and supported by dedicated faculty members, the club aims to raise awareness, educate, and implement practical strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of waste.

At the core of the club’s mission lies the promotion of the 5 R’s:

Reduce: By advocating for the minimization of waste generation through conscious consumption and lifestyle choices.

Reuse: Encouraging the reuse of materials and products whenever possible, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing the demand for new resources.

Recycle: Establishing efficient recycling systems within the school and fostering a culture of recycling among students and staff, thereby diverting waste from landfills and promoting the circular economy.

Repurpose: Inspiring creativity and innovation by finding new purposes for items that would otherwise be discarded, transforming waste into valuable resources.

Refuse: Empowering individuals to refuse single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, advocating for sustainable alternatives and promoting mindful consumption habits.

Through a variety of initiatives, including awareness campaigns, workshops, waste audits, and community outreach programs, the Interact Club aims to instill a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness among its members and the broader school community.

By embracing the principles of the 5 R’s, the St. Jude Science and Technological School Interact Club aspires to not only reduce the environmental footprint of the school but also to cultivate a generation of informed and proactive global citizens committed to safeguarding our planet for future generations. With determination and collective action, they stand poised to make a meaningful difference in the realm of waste management and environmental sustainability.