Bago launches ‘Aling Tindera’ program, opens sanitary landfill expansion

BACOLOD CITY – In a bid to boost environmental protection and preservation efforts, particularly in reducing plastic waste, the City Government of Bago has introduced a community-based waste-to-cash program in Negros Occidental.

Dubbed “Aling Tindera Plastic Waste to Cash,” the program is a partnership with the impact organization Friends of Hope Inc. (FHI) and the Germany-based development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The program aims to provide an avenue for people to monetize plastic waste, encourage discipline in the treatment of post-consumer plastics, reduce environmental leakage, and educate future generations about the benefits of co-processing, recycling, and other advanced waste management processes.

Vice Mayor Ramon Torres, along with other local officials and representatives of partner organizations, led the project launch at Barangays Ma-ao and Poblacion on Tuesday, June 18.

Two “Aling Tindera” waste collection stations are strategically located near the city’s sanitary landfill at Sitio Pandan in Barangay Ma-ao and beside the fish port at Bantayan Park in Barangay Poblacion.

Aling Tindera Program Coordinator Mia Rosabel Grace Azurin highlighted that the plastic pollution crisis is primarily driven by the use of single-use plastics like sachets, noting that the Philippines is one of the worst offenders in marine pollution.

Azurin explained that the collection program aims to help the community manage their plastic waste at home while providing additional income to the designated “Aling Tinderas” who will oversee the waste collection stations, benefiting their respective community members.

The “Aling Tindera” stations will purchase plastic sachets, packaging materials, and containers from residents at P2 per kilo, with partner organizations buying them from the stations at P2.50 per kilo, she said.

“It’s a big milestone today as the vision of Bago City comes alive, and we are happy to be part of it,” said GIZ-3RproMAR Project Manager Dr. Johannes Paul.

Vice Mayor Torres emphasized the importance of working together in protecting and conserving the environment by supporting programs like “Aling Tindera” that address plastic pollution.

City Environment Management Office (CEMO) Head Vicente Mesias announced plans to open more “Aling Tindera” stations in the city, adding that the project will positively impact the community both socially and environmentally.

“Makabulig gid ini sa akon kag sa mga taga amon, extra income pa ni para sa amon. Makabulig pa gid kami pahagan-hagan lapta sang basura sa amon palibot (It can really help me and my neighbors; it’s additional income for us. We can also help reduce the spread of waste in our surroundings),” said Rinalyn Alforque, one of the “Aling Tinderas” in the city.

On the same day, the city government inaugurated its Sanitary Landfill Expansion Site in Barangay Ma-ao.

The P50-million expansion project includes a new material recovery facility, a water treatment facility, a septic vault for hazardous waste, compost pits, storm drains, and an administrative building.

Mesias noted that the four-hectare expansion site, in addition to the existing eight-hectare facility, is expected to accommodate more waste generated in the city.

“With the Aling Tindera program, we aim to reduce our waste generation and lessen the volume of garbage being disposed of at the sanitary landfill,” he added.

The launch of the “Aling Tindera Plastic Waste to Cash” program and the inauguration of the Sanitary Landfill Expansion Site were part of the city’s Environment Month celebration.

This year’s theme is “Our Land. Our Future. #GenerationRestoration.”

Councilors Ma. Josefa Matti, Jake Patrick Torres, Ma. Femmy Alvarez-Martir, Carlos Mondia, ABC President Jovito Gahaton, Executive Assistant Jom Somcio, and former councilor Jorge Araneta attended the event.

Also present were officials from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Environment Management Unit, Provincial Environment Management Office, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, Barangay Councils of Ma-ao and Poblacion, representatives from the University of Saint La Salle-Bacolod and La Consolacion College-Bacolod, and other stakeholders.