Coca-Cola Philippines Partners with Biñan LGU, DILG to Expand Community-Based PET Bottle Collection in Laguna

Coca-Cola Philippines continues its expansion of the Tapon to Ipon PET bottle collection program to Biñan City, Laguna through a new partnership with the City Government, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Laguna, and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST Inc.).

The launch was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signing, followed by an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and registration activity in Barangay Canlalay. The program’s initial rollout onboarded 50 store owners across 10 barangays, with five participating stores from each barangay.

Present at the event were DILG Laguna Provincial Director Jay-Ar Beltran, Biñan City Mayor Angelo Alonte, Coca-Cola Philippines Senior Director for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Ma. Christine Ponce-Garcia, Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability; Misha Rabat; and BEST Inc. Senior Vice President for Business Development, Jan Vincent.

Bringing Tapon to Ipon to more communities

The partnership aims to make PET bottle collection more accessible within communities by bringing collection points closer to residents. Under Tapon to Ipon, participating sari-sari stores and local retailers serve as community-based collection hubs where residents can bring their used clear PET bottles of any brand.

Participating retailers collect and consolidate PET bottles brought by members of their communities. Store owners can earn points based on the PET bottles they collect, which can then be redeemed for a range of rewards, including Coca-Cola products, online shopping vouchers, food products, and credits toward utility bill payments.

The program aims to collect and divert recovered PET bottles for recycling, bringing collected materials to PETValue Philippines in Cavite, the country’s first bottle-to-bottle, food-grade PET recycling facility.

Each partner brings a distinct role to the program. The City Government of Biñan will help mobilize city and barangay officials and communities, while Coca-Cola Philippines will provide collection tools and Tapon to Ipon kits to partner retailers. BEST Inc. will support program operations and collection activities, with the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO) supporting engagement with participating store owners and the local retail community, as well as the DILG taking the lead in monitoring the program’s outcomes.

“We assure that the city government of Biñan is committed to this project and will ensure that our communities will be deeply involved in the program. The community’s active participation is key to bringing this project to life and ensuring its success,” said Alonte.

Ma. Christine Ponce-Garcia, Coca-Cola Philippines Senior Director for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, echoed the importance of collaboration in strengthening local collection systems.

“We know that strong and effective recycling value chains cannot be built by one organization alone. It takes collaboration. We look forward to seeing this partnership grow, and more importantly, become part of the habits and practices of communities across the city of Biñan. May this partnership inspire more communities to see every bottle returned. It is an opportunity to create lasting environmental and social impact,” Ponce-Garcia noted.

The rollout in Biñan City marks Tapon to Ipon’s expansion into South Luzon, adding to a program that has reached more than 170 cities and municipalities nationwide since its launch in 2021.

Equipping more store owners on the ground

The Tapon to Ipon team oriented participating retailers on the program, proper PET bottle disposal and collection, and their role as community collection hubs. The activity also distributed Tapon to Ipon kits and tools to help store owners participate in the collection effort.

For Coca-Cola Philippines, the partnership demonstrates how LGUs, government agencies, retailers, and private-sector organizations can work together to strengthen local PET bottle collection and support a more organized recycling value chain. The company will continue working with partners to expand community-based collection efforts and explore opportunities to bring Tapon to Ipon to more cities and communities.

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ packaging collection and recycling efforts, visit the Coca-Cola Sustainability Hub at https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.

Wovoka Philippines, GCash GForest Partner to Plant 1 Million Trees in Oriental Mindoro and Camarines Norte to Support Long-Term Ecosystem Restoration

Climate tech project development company Wovoka Philippines and GForest, the sustainability initiative of GCash, signed a memorandum of agreement to plant over 1 million native trees and mangrove species over the next 5 years, from 2026-2030, across forest and coastal communities in the provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Camarines Norte.

The partnership reaffirms the shared commitment of Wovoka and GCash to nation-building and long-term ecosystem restoration in observance of Philippine Arbor Day.

Deforestation and coastal degradation continue to heighten the effects of climate change in vulnerable areas, reducing biodiversity and exposing towns to floods and storm surges. This ongoing environmental decline also destroys resources that communities depend on, directly harming traditional industries and increasing vulnerability to climate and financial risks.

Ecosystem restoration is one important nature-based solution that complements broader climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Through science-based restoration planning and long-term monitoring, Wovoka Philippines and GCash will strengthen ecological resilience by restoring watersheds, improving coastal protection, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing erosion in Oriental Mindoro and Camarines Norte.

A tech-driven climate partnership

The five-year collaboration establishes a structured timeline committed to planting native trees across both upland and coastal zones. This large-scale initiative aims to restore degraded upland forests and coastal ecosystems, increasing their capacity to naturally store carbon while strengthening biodiversity and climate resilience.

Through GForest, users can support this initiative and help local communities simply by earning green energy points through everyday digital transactions. These points can be converted into tree-planting efforts, making it easy for more Filipinos to participate in environmental conservation.

“This tech-for-good partnership with Wovoka Philippines, we are utilizing the scale of GCash to build real-world ecological barriers and secure green livelihoods for the communities that need them most,” said Michelle Fernandez, general manager of Sustainability and Corporate Communications of GCash.

Partnering with a dedicated organization like Wovoka Philippines ensures that all planting efforts adhere to strict ecological standards, with only native and ecologically appropriate species planted, which better adapt to local conditions, support indigenous wildlife, and help restore natural ecological processes.

Empowering communities through green livelihoods

Beyond tree planting, the initiative integrates local communities directly into the conservation efforts. Community members are tapped to plant, monitor, and maintain the forests, turning environmental restoration into a viable, long-term source of income. They will also monitor tree survival and site health over the life of the project to help ensure restoration outcomes beyond the initial planting phase.

Local farmers and coastal workers maintaining the planting sites will receive stable streams of revenue, and families will be provided with predictable, year-round stipends for nursing care and conducting regular site patrols, reducing the impact of seasonal income gaps.

By merging digital technology, environmental science, and community participation, the GCash-Wovoka partnership will serve as a model for sustainable regional development.

Together, these initiatives highlight how large-scale public participation can translate into measurable environmental impact, even redefining corporate sustainability, as digital platforms can move beyond the screen to support real-world environmental protection and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

GCash and UPLB: Leveraging Technology, Empowering Local Communities to Help Protect Sierra Madre and Mt. Makiling

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is partnering with GCash, the leading Philippine finance super app, through its GForest program, to address environmental threats like illegal forest conversion and accelerate the restoration of degraded lands within the Mount Makiling Georeserve and the Sierra Madre mountain range. The strategic partnership aims to protect and reforest 250 hectares of land within the two land grants managed by UPLB by planting at least 130,000 forest and fruit trees during the first phase, and another 25,000 seedlings for urban and roadside planting in parts of Mount Makiling Georeserve by 2029.

UPLB, as the Center for Excellence in Forestry Education, is set to implement its data-driven and science-based approach to identify suitable types of trees, strategic project areas, and apply implementation strategies to ensure environmental conservation and reforestation efforts translate into meaningful long-term impact.

The academic institution also seeks to tap local communities as long-term partners in planting and stewardship, empowering them through livelihood opportunities and ongoing involvement. These include women’s groups, people’s organizations, and qualified UPLB community members.

UPLB also seeks to engage participation and support from relevant local government units (LGUs) in Laguna, municipalities in Quezon province, and national-level government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DICT).

Marked by a ceremonial contract signing led by UPLB, its College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), the Land Grant Management Office (LGMO), and GCash, through the support of its 22-million GForest Green Heroes, pledged to plant at least 130,000 forest and fruit trees across 250 hectares in two land grant areas managed by UPLB in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

In addition, 10 kilometers of road within the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve will be planted with species ideal for urban settings. Another 25,000 seedlings will also be cultivated for roadside planting in various parts of Laguna province.

Roadside planting in the Mt. Makiling Georeserve will provide multiple benefits, including environmental, social, and economic advantages. In terms of environmental impact, it will lead to improved air and temperature quality, carbon sequestration, noise reduction, urban flood mitigation, pollination support, and urban wildlife habitat. From a social and economic perspective, it can improve recreational opportunities and mental wellbeing, lead to energy savings, and increase property values.

“Sierra Madre is one of our last frontiers when it comes to [our remaining] intact forests,” shared UPLB-CFNR Dean Marlo D. Mendoza, MDM. [This] is rich in terms of biodiversity [and is] very high in endemism, which means a lot of species that are in Sierra Madre can only be found there or [can be found in] the Philippines and not other parts of the world.”

Luzon’s backbone against natural hazards

The Sierra Madre mountain range, which spans approximately 600 kilometers from Cagayan to Quezon Province, is known as the “backbone of Luzon” and is home to lush forests and vital watersheds that support the nation’s diverse wildlife populations. In addition, it acts as a natural shield against typhoons coming from the Pacific, protecting the Philippines by weakening and redirecting storm winds before they reach inland areas.

The end goal of the UPLB and GCash reforestation initiative is to help restore and fortify parts of the UP Sierra Madre Land Grant. The trees planted aim to convert degraded lands (remnants of past logging, timber poaching, and unsustainable farming) into thriving ecosystems of tall native forest species that form a closed or semi-closed canopy.

Fundamental to the success of this program is UPLB’s sourcing process, which focuses on native tree species that are well-adapted to the local environment and support biodiversity. UPLB researchers have selected a diverse mix of native species, such as Mayapis, Apitong, White Lauan, Almon, and Palosapis, that can support canopy restoration while promoting ecological diversity.

Meanwhile, native tree species for urban areas— such as Salingogon, Katmon, Aunasin, and Pamitoyen have been selected based on tree architecture, height, climate adaptability, and the benefits offered, such as aesthetic values, shade, pollution reduction, and habitats for wildlife. To complete the project in the coming months, UPLB will also recruit the help of local communities to oversee the planting, care, monitoring, and evaluation activities thereafter.

By championing collaboration among scientists, organizations like GCash, and local communities, this partnership creates a holistic approach that addresses environmental challenges, enhances resilience, and turns residents into long-term environmental stewards. The program includes community-based monitoring to ensure survival rates and continuous ecological and social benefits.

“We are excited about this new partnership with GCash, as it allows us to explore the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of reforestation,” said Mendoza. “Together, we can implement UPLB’s proven methods to maximize benefits for both ecosystems and local communities.”

Through this partnership, GCash continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability. As a tech for good platform, we can bridge users with sustainability partners and environmental institutions, like UPLB, and contribute to real-world environmental efforts. CJ Alegre, GCash Head for Sustainability, added: “At GCash, we believe that technology can be a powerful tool for positive change."

Globe, WWF Philippines Advocate Climate Education via Camp Kalikasan

Globe and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines are collaborating to promote climate education to encourage Filipinos to learn more about how they can care for the environment and take part in climate action through Camp Kalikasan.

Camp Kalikasan is an online digital resource center where Filipinos can learn the basics of how we can combat climate change, with the goal of empowering students, teachers, and individuals with practical knowledge and tips to support climate action.

 

“Globe recognizes that raising environmental awareness is a critical component to drive environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Through Camp Kalikasan, we hope to impart the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability, and educate the public on how they can contribute to climate action in their own way,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

 

The collaboration is part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 13 which underscores the importance of climate action to save lives and livelihood to address climate emergencies.

Camp Kalikasan is dedicated to climate education for students, the youth, teachers, and the general public.  It features multimedia content such as animated videos, films, stories, digital modules, quizzes, puzzles, and games designed for students and the youth. 

 

The web-based platform includes credible resource materials to help teachers integrate environmental topics into their subjects. Currently, the platform already carries modules on the following:

 

●        Climate Change

●        Energy Conservation

●        Environmental Education

 

In celebration of the Month of the Ocean this May, a new module on biodiversity was released covering the basics of rainforests, Philippine biodiversity, marine habitats (mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs), marine animals, and drivers of biodiversity loss.

 

The modules contain practical and relevant tips and actionable steps towards eco-friendly living. A citizen portal featuring a carbon footprint calculator will also be released this year.

 

Modules under the program also cover lessons on the importance of increased investments on greener services and facilities such as:

 

●        renewable energy

●        public transport

●        digitally-connected infrastructure

●        public parks and green spaces

 

It also includes interactive activities that students can do with their parents and teachers, including:

 

     ●        trivia games

     ●        word search

     ●        trivia match

     ●        mosaic (completing the picture puzzle)

     ●        children's storybooks

     ●        worksheets and coloring activities

     ●        simple tips to apply on their day-to-day

     

Globe is the first and only publicly-listed company in the Philippines that committed to set science-based targets in limiting global warming within the 1.5-degree scenario and aims to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.

 

WWF Philippines has been working as a national organization of the WWF network since 1997. As the 26th national organization in the network, WWF-Philippines has successfully been implementing various conservation projects to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia. It works to improve Filipino lives by crafting solutions to climate change, providing sustainable livelihood programs, and conserving the country's richest marine and land habitats.

 

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

 

To access Camp Kalikasan, you may visit www.campkalikasan.com.