Written by: Mary Christelle A. Ramirez
In time for Climate Change Consciousness Week, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center officially opened the 17th Recyclables Collection Event (RCE) on November 19, 2025 at the Mini Golf Course in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Carrying the theme “Aksyon at Adaptasyon sa Makabagong Henerasyon,” the event underscored the group’s call for stronger, collective action toward climate resilience and responsible waste management.
Organized by the SBMA Ecology Center, this year’s RCE was held in partnership with the DENR–Environmental Management Bureau, Bureau of Customs – Port of Subic, and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce. The initiative continues to benefit the ABS-CBN Foundation Bantay Kalikasan, reflecting SBMA’s commitment not only to environmental sustainability but also to meaningful social impact.
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Ms. Rossell L. Abuyo, OIC-Manager of the Ecology Center, who thanked partners, locators, and stakeholders for their continued support. Distinguished representatives from partner agencies also graced the event, including Ms. Amethya P. Dela Llana, OIC Head of the Regulatory Group and OIC-Deputy Administrator for Public Health & Safety; Atty. Florante Roxas of the Bureau of Customs; Engr. Lily Amor Dizon of EMB Region III; and Engr. Rhea Hernandez of Subic Water & Sewerage Co. Inc.
Abuyo explained how the RCE has evolved significantly over the past nine years. “The original goal of the RCE was simply to ensure the proper collection and disposal of hazardous waste from SBMA departments, locators, and different stakeholders,” she shared. “But as the years went on, we realized that collection alone was not enough. That is why we built regular community education, public awareness activities, and eventually, an entirely new vision through the Greenport City initiative. These efforts later led to the launch of our SBMA Race to Carbon Neutrality program, where waste management now serves as one of our main strategies in combating climate change.”
Since its inception, the RCE has collected substantial quantities of hazardous and recyclable materials—from used lead-acid batteries and oil to fluorescent bulbs, electronic waste, recyclables, and single-use plastics recovered through Refill Revolution. These sustained efforts have not only reduced environmental risks but have also generated resources for advocacy.
In the message of Sarah Agcaoli, Head of Bantay Kalikasan, she expressed deep appreciation for the partnership. “ABS-CBN Foundation exists to serve Filipinos, and every contribution made through the RCE allows us to reach more communities across the country. Your support becomes part of our mission to protect, conserve, and sustain important natural areas in the Philippines. The impact of your participation in this program extends far beyond Subic—its reach touches many lives nationwide.”
The event also featured the Green Runway Eco Fashion Show: Year 2, where SBMA departments and local schools showcased creative, sustainability-themed outfits made from recyclables. The showcase demonstrated how environmental responsibility and artistic expression can work together to inspire communities.
Closing the event, SBMA reiterated that the RCE will continue to be a vital part of the group’s environmental roadmap. The Ecology Center also signaled readiness to pursue future collaborations on mangrove conservation, a nature-based solution central to climate mitigation.
SBMA affirmed that through collective effort, sustained education, and consistent adaptation, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone can continue moving toward a green, climate-resilient, and carbon-neutral future.