MALITA, Davao Occidental — The local government of Jose Abad Santos has begun implementing a "Basura to Bigas" program that incentivizes residents to participate in solid waste management by exchanging plastic waste for rice. The initiative aims to address the municipality's growing waste concerns while providing immediate relief to households.
How the Exchange Works
Mayor Jason John Joyce announced the program will accept plastic sachets and cellophane at a rate of one kilogram of plastic for one kilogram of rice. PET bottles, including those used for bottled water and shampoo, will be exchanged at two kilograms of plastic for one kilogram of rice. The differential rate reflects the varying recycling values of these materials.
Joyce described the initiative as a way of incentivizing community participation. He noted that it encourages residents to keep their communities clean while tackling the municipality's waste management challenges. The program transforms everyday waste into a tangible benefit for families.
Beyond Collection: Exploring Recycling Innovations
The municipality is not stopping at collection. Joyce said they are exploring ways to turn collected plastic waste into useful products through recycling and innovation. He identified potential applications such as plastic chairs, hollow blocks, decorative items, and other value-added products.
He expressed interest in partnering with the Department of Science and Technology to identify appropriate technologies. The goal is to make the initiative sustainable by ensuring the waste is put to good use. The mayor spoke during the Kapihan sa PIA episode held during the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week 2026 celebration.
DOST Support for Plastic Waste Reduction
DOST Davao Occidental Provincial S&T Director Maria Victoria I. Dado said the agency is working with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office on initiatives addressing plastic waste. Around P200,000 in funding has been allocated for plastic waste management, with equipment already procured for distribution to five local government units.
Dado also cited the DOST-supported SMART-BUNOT Project in Jose Abad Santos. The project, with funding of P680,000, will provide equipment to process and add value to coconut husks. It emerged from an observation about the accumulation of coconut husks along the municipality's roads.
Community Segregation Through Food for Work
Barangay Caburan Big recently conducted a Food for Work activity, engaging 30 community members in collecting, sorting, and segregating recyclable materials. The activity marked the barangay's initial step toward making proper waste segregation a regular community practice.
Collected materials were turned over to the Materials Recovery Facility in Sitio Sabang for proper management and recovery. The activity was supported by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and the LGU Jose Abad Santos. Each participant received five kilograms of rice, gloves, masks, and trash bags.
