Residents here are encouraged to join and earn prizes in the ecological solid waste management and sustainability fair event at the People’s Park on Sunday and in the La Trinidad, Benguet grounds on April 29, as part of the observance of Earth Day 2025.

Jean Borromeo, regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau (DENR -EMB) Cordillera, cited the environment’s “need to be clean and dry to avoid odor and sanitation issues.”

Among the items that can be turned in and sold by the residents during the events are plastic bags, glass bottles, jars, aluminum cans, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, sachets, newspapers, office papers, cartons, scrap metals, and tin cans.

Community organizations, schools and barangays can also join the competitions and have the chance to win PHP1,500; PHP3,000 and PHP5,000 cash; and certificates of commendation.

Among the categories are the “Basura Champion” for the individual who collects the most recyclables; “Young Once Champion” or the eldest individual who collects the most recyclables; “Eco-youth Champion” for the youngest individual who collects the most recyclables; “Early Bird Champion” for the individual who will be the first to submit recyclables; and “Clean-up Eco-Warrior” for the individual who will lead clean-up drives and collection during the challenge week.

Aileen Refuerzo, chief information officer of Baguio, said environment-related activities are regularly held by the local government based on an ordinance that institutionalized the eco-waste sustainability fair every quarter of the year.

She said “may pera talaga sa basura kaya sana makita ng mga residents ang importance ng pagse-segregate at maibenta ang mga recyclable materials para maibaba natin ang generation ng basura sa Baguio (there is really money in garbage and we are hoping that residents will see the need to segregate their garbage and sell the recyclable materials, which will also lead to a decrease in waste generation).” (PNA)