Makati Barangay Recognized for Community-Led Recycling Efforts
Barangay Tejeros in Makati City has been recognized as the top-performing barangay in the Barangay Tapon to Ipon initiative by Coca-Cola Philippines, demonstrating how collective action can transform recycling into a meaningful and sustainable community practice.
The recognition was announced during the Tapon to Ipon Fiesta awarding ceremony, held at the barangay’s basketball court, where residents gathered for a lively celebration featuring games, activities, and shared merienda.
After finishing second in the previous year’s competition, Barangay Tejeros rose to the top spot in the program’s latest run—reflecting the community’s continued commitment to proper waste segregation and inclusive recycling practices.
A Community Fiesta Celebrating Sustainability
The awarding ceremony was more than just a recognition event. It served as a community celebration that brought residents together through interactive games, prizes, and food.
The event highlighted how recycling initiatives can foster stronger community ties while encouraging residents to participate in sustainable practices. By making the program fun and accessible, organizers reinforced the idea that environmental responsibility can be shared and community-driven.
Grassroots Recycling in Action
Barangay Tapon to Ipon is a nationwide recycling initiative by Coca-Cola Philippines in collaboration with barangays, local leaders, and sari-sari store owners.
The program encourages communities to collect and properly segregate PET bottles, helping barangays implement the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003) while promoting sustainable waste management practices at the grassroots level.
In its latest run, 20 barangays across Metro Manila participated in the friendly competition, working together to collect recyclable plastic bottles and improve waste segregation in their communities.
Top-Performing Barangays in the Program
Barangay Tejeros led the initiative with an impressive collection of nearly 40,000 PET bottles, equivalent to 698 kilograms of recyclable plastic.
The other top-performing barangays include:
- Second Place: Barangay 114 in Caloocan City — about 21,000 bottles (375 kg)
- Third Place: Barangay Moonwalk in Parañaque City — around 17,000 bottles (310 kg)
The program highlighted the collective effort of residents, youth volunteers, and sari-sari stores who played a crucial role in the recycling drive.
Community Pride Drives Participation
According to Barangay Chairman Wilfredo S. Leonardo, the visible results of the program motivated residents to remain active participants.
After placing second the previous year, the barangay was determined to secure the top spot this time. The recognition reinforced the community’s pride and strengthened its commitment to environmental initiatives.
Leonardo also expressed gratitude to Coca-Cola Philippines for including their community in the program and for continuing to support grassroots sustainability efforts.
Tools to Sustain Recycling Efforts
Along with the recognition, Barangay Tejeros received several tools to help sustain its recycling and cleanliness initiatives.
The rewards included:
- 10 Coca-Cola stools made from recycled plastic
- A Barangay Tapon to Ipon tent
- Coca-Cola beverages for community events
- A Premium Linis Barangay Kit with cleaning and safety supplies
These resources will support the barangay’s ongoing programs and encourage households and sari-sari stores to continue participating in recycling activities.
From Local Recycling to National Sustainability Goals
For Coca-Cola Philippines, the initiative is part of a broader nationwide recycling strategy that includes more than 6,000 collection points across the country.
Collected PET bottles are transported to PETValue Philippines, the country’s first food-grade bottle-to-bottle recycling facility, located in General Trias, Cavite.
At the facility, used plastic bottles are processed into recycled PET (rPET), which can then be used to produce new food-grade beverage bottles—helping create a circular recycling system.
Strengthening the Spirit of Bayanihan
According to Tony Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited, initiatives like Barangay Tapon to Ipon highlight the power of bayanihan in promoting sustainability.
By turning recycling into a shared community activity, the program helps barangays develop long-term habits that strengthen environmental responsibility and waste management practices.
Through continued collaboration with barangays and local partners, Coca-Cola Philippines aims to transform everyday recycling efforts into lasting environmental impact across communities nationwide.