Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), in collaboration with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) and the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (QC CCESD), proudly marked the six-month milestone of the SariCycle® Program. Launched in January 2024, this innovative initiative has already made significant strides, with over 600 active participants and the collection of more than 4,000 kilograms of single-use plastics (SUPs).
The SariCycle® Program was designed as a waste management and sustainability initiative to address the growing problem of plastic waste. The program focuses on the collection and recycling of SUPs, specifically in local communities. The initiative began in targeted locations within Quezon City, particularly in areas with a high concentration of sari-sari stores, which are small neighborhood retail outlets. These stores serve as the focal point for the program, where the store owners and local residents actively participate in reducing plastic waste.
Participants in the program, known as “SariCyclers,” are incentivized for their contributions to the environment. They receive product bundles from Ajinomoto Philippines as a reward for collecting SUPs. In addition, they are granted Environmental Points (EPs), which function as a form of currency and can be used as cash at participating vendors. This rewards system encourages continuous engagement and helps drive the success of the program.
The SariCycle® Program has not only benefited the environment but has also empowered key members of the Quezon City community. Among the participants are beneficiaries of local livelihood programs, including members of the “Tindahan ni Mayor Joy” initiative, which supports small businesses. Additionally, persons with disabilities (PWDs) have been actively involved in the program, highlighting the inclusive nature of the initiative.
Through the collective efforts of these SariCyclers, the program has promoted environmental responsibility and created awareness about sustainability practices. By targeting smaller communities, the SariCycle® Program has effectively reached grassroots participants, fostering a strong sense of shared responsibility for the environment.
A six-month evaluation meeting was recently held at the QC CCESD office, bringing together representatives from APC, BEST, and QC CCESD. The meeting was led by Ms. Andrea Villaroman, with key officials discussing the progress of the program, its achievements, and the challenges that lie ahead. APC’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Ernie Carlos, expressed his gratitude to the community for their consistent support and highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“The SariCycle® Program is a testament to the positive and impactful effects we can achieve for the good of our environment when we all work towards a more sustainable future. Indeed, we take inspiration from the communities in Quezon City and our partners at BEST when it comes to being stewards of the environment,” Carlos said.
This recognition of the program’s achievements underscores the potential for significant change when different sectors come together with a common goal. The collaboration between Ajinomoto, BEST, and QC CCESD serves as a model for future environmental initiatives, demonstrating that partnerships between local communities and businesses can create real impact.
Ajinomoto Philippines’ efforts in the SariCycle® Program were formally recognized during BEST’s 25th Anniversary celebration, held on September 16, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Manila. BEST, a leading player in the Philippines’ solid waste management sector, praised APC for its dedication to environmental sustainability. During the event, BEST awarded Ajinomoto Philippines with a plaque of appreciation for its active role in the program.
APC’s Sustainability Executive, Kirstoff Buyoc, accepted the award on behalf of Ajinomoto Philippines. Buyoc also co-presented recognition awards to the top-performing SariCyclers, further acknowledging the significant contributions of individual participants to the success of the program.
The anniversary celebration also saw the participation of key figures in the Circular Economy movement, including Senator Cynthia Villar, a leading advocate for sustainability in the Philippines and the principal author of the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Law. The event emphasized the crucial role that collaboration between the public and private sectors plays in achieving sustainability goals. It reinforced the idea that collective action is essential in addressing environmental challenges and driving impactful initiatives like the SariCycle® Program.
Ajinomoto Philippines remains committed to its mission of promoting responsible consumption and environmental stewardship through the SariCycle® Program and other sustainability initiatives. With a forward-looking approach, APC aims to expand the program to reach even more communities, further reducing plastic waste and building a more sustainable future. By continuing to work closely with its partners, Ajinomoto stays true to its vision of fostering the “Eat Well, Live Well” lifestyle while championing environmental sustainability.
As the SariCycle® Program continues to grow, Ajinomoto Philippines hopes to inspire more communities and businesses to join in the effort to protect the environment. With the ongoing support of its partners and participants, the program is poised to achieve even greater success in the coming months, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for all.
To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.
