Residents of the City of San Fernando participated in the annual “Refill Revolution” organized by the City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) on Friday at the Poblacion Basketball Court in Barangay Sto. Rosario.
“Refill Revolution” is an advocacy campaign of the Department of Environment and Natural Resource-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 3 aimed to beat plastic pollution by reducing its production and necessity.
With the initiative and cooperation of DENR-EMB-3 and some retailers and manufacturers, about 600 residents of San Fernando were able to refill kitchen condiments, laundry products, and other household items by bringing clean and reusable bottles, containers and “eco bags.”
These items were sold at prices lower by as much as 50-70% than the actual retail prices in supermarkets.
Regina Rodriguez, CENRO Officer, stressed that they want to teach Fernandinos to avoid single-use of plastics and instead promote an eco-friendly and sustainable ways of utilizing plastic products.
“We are encouraging every household to avoid regular purchase of products in plastic sachets or containers. If possible, re-use plastic containers and grab every opportunity of refilling activities.”
The officer also revealed that another Refill Revolution is set on February 21 as part of the “Kaganapan” cityhood celebration.
Manufacturers and retailers like Classic Brand Distributorship, and Glochem Marketing & Recycling Corporation also took part in the refilling activity. Pepsi Cola, Water District Prime Water, and Soliman E.C were also present to give away freebies to residents.
Nutri Asia Incorporated, the country’s top condiments maker, is one of the regular retailers and manufacturers that rallied behind this initiative.
“We are regularly participating in this Refill Revolution campaign to help the DENR on its goal to beat plastic pollution by of course offering affordable products to these people with their clean and reusable plastic containers.”
For his part, City Mayor Edwin David “EdSa” Santiago reiterated his desire for San Fernando to remain a “Zero Waste City” amidst the many developments in the city.
“We are the first ever model of Zero Waste City in the whole country. Let us prove it by remaining educated and disciplined enough to protect and preserve our environment,” the mayor ended.