The Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) led a meeting on April 24, 2024, at Conference Room 2, Bacolod City Government Center. The meeting was attended by representatives from Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM), Basic Environment Systems and Technologies (BEST), Startup, Information Education Campaign (IEC), and all 7-Eleven establishment managers and employees in Bacolod City.

The primary objective of the assembly was to discuss the proposed solid waste management program in Bacolod City, which will be implemented across all 7-Eleven establishments in the city. The program commenced with an opening prayer led by Ms. Ma. Kristina D. Sta. Ana, the focal person of the Information Education Campaign (IEC). Following this, Ms. Ma. Fe P. Trespuentes, Administrative Office IV and Officer-in-Charge of BENRO, delivered her welcoming remarks.

Ms. Trespuentes expressed her gratitude to all attendees, commending their dedication and service in contributing to a clean and green Bacolod City. She emphasized the significant amount of garbage in the city, not only in 7-Eleven establishments but also in their respective neighborhoods. The goal of the program is to reduce the amount and weight of garbage dumped in the city’s landfill due to its limited area and collection time.

After Ms. Trespuentes’ remarks, Ms. Lyka Torres, the representative of Tindahan Extra Mile, presented on TEM and its objective of recycling Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. She outlined the process to become a TEM member, included in the TEM kit, and discussed their collection hubs and milestones achieved over the years.

Following Ms. Torres’ presentation, Ms. Leonilyn Sandrino, the officer-in-charge of Basic Environment Systems and Technologies (BEST), discussed the trash-to-cashback program. Ms. Sandrino emphasized the five circular economy principles, accepted recyclables, the trash-to-cashback experience, and the Information Education Campaign (IEC).

The conference concluded with the announcement of the onboarding process starting on May 6, 2024, at 7 AM, on the BCGC grounds. Additionally, mention was made of the Black Soldier Fly Farms responsible for managing food waste in Bacolod City. The meeting was attended by Startup district coordinator, Ms. Stephanie Fernandez, IEC Focal Person, Ms. Ma. Kristina D. Sta. Ana, BEST OIC, Ms. Leonilyn Sandrino, Tindahan Extra Mile OIC, Ms. Lovely Balaba, and AO IV / BENRO OIC, Ms. Ma. Fe Trespuentes.
(Source: Bacolod City Public Information Office)