LAOAG CITY – Residents of Barangay Caparispisan in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte are transforming waste into opportunity, proving that trash can be turned into both livelihood and environmental action through creativity and discipline.
By repurposing plastic waste and used tires into functional and marketable eco-products, the community is not only reducing pollution but also inspiring households and communities to adopt recycling and upcycling practices.
Their finished products — including tote bags, plant holders, and sofa sets crafted from used tires — were showcased during the Basura (Trash) Summit held at the Centennial Arena in Laoag City on Friday.
“We hope the public will consider buying these eco-products, which are both beautiful and durable,” Joegie Jimenez, pollution control officer of the Ilocos Norte Environment and Natural Resources Office, told the Philippine News Agency.
Barangay health worker (BHW) Marlyn Madamba said waste reduction has become ingrained in daily life for Caparispisan residents, particularly those living along the coast.
She said the community recycles single-use plastics one sachet or bottle at a time, channeling creativity into income generation, with product prices ranging from P50 to P10,000 depending on size and design.
“Our discipline in respecting nature reflects the unity of the people and the beauty of our land,” a member of the Barangay Caparispisan Solid Waste Management team said.
Another BHW, Eileen Menor, said the recognition of their waste diversion initiatives has given the group a deep sense of fulfillment.
“Solid waste management starts with us. Segregate, recycle, and compost -- simple actions that create big change,” she said.
Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos praised the initiative and expressed hope that Caparispisan’s solid waste management practices would be replicated across the province.
“Caring for the environment starts with each one of us. Let us continue being good stewards of nature and come up with more projects like this,” she said during the summit.
