Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program: Stronger @10

Last January 31, Motolite and PBSP were joined by donors and partners in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Program in Acacia Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The Program also launched its support to 2 major Programs: 1) Water and 2) Senior High School.

Donated used lead-acid batteries now get premium value if companies choose to support projects that respond to the following performance indicators: 1) number of teachers trained or certified, 2) number of laboratory facilities assisted with equipment and supplies, 3) number of students assisted on their assessment fees, 4) construction of potable water systems, 5) provision of chlorinators and 6) watershed and mangrove rehabilitation.

From trash to cash for a cause Motolite, PBSP mark recycling program

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Contributor

IMAGINE if 4,000 tons of used lead acid batteries (ULABs) were disposed indiscriminately in our waterways over the last 10 years. The lead content in these batteries would have leaked into our rivers and poisoned animals. Worse, it may have caused health injuries to people who have ingested it.

Imagine if hundreds of children have been exposed to this neurotoxin and have developed intellectual disabilities which deprived them of enjoying their lives as regular kids. The World Health Organization points to lead as the cause of 143,000 deaths each year in developing regions.

Fortunately, the proper recycling of these extremely hazardous wastes under the Balik Baterya Program of the Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC) and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) has made the country a little safer and also contributed significant benefits to the education, environment and health sectors.

A deeper purpose

Over the last 10 years, some Php99.8 million worth of proceeds have been raised from 4,000 tons of ULABs that were collected from 180 donor companies. These were used for the donation of 4,596 textbooks and storybooks to public schools, improvement of reading skills of 2,607 children, provision of 714 schools desks, training of 142 teachers on remedial reading, assistance to 117 public schools, establishment of 100 learning resource centers, construction and repair of 34 classrooms as well as toilet facilities in schools.

In environment, 25 hectares were planted with trees while 1,508 households benefitted from road and drainage improvement works. In health, 1,828 individuals were oriented on tuberculosis while 127 TB educators were trained.

Launched in 2006, the Balik Baterya Program involves the collection of ULABs for proper recycling (including the recovery of reusable components for the production of new automotive and industrial batteries). Its hazardous components are treated through the Evergreen Environmental Resources, Inc. (EERI), an ISO 14001- and 9002-certified facility. EERI is an accredited recycler of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

To encourage more companies to donate batteries, Motolite buys the ULABs at a premium value. The proceeds are then used to fund various projects on education through the LEAP (Learning Enhancement Assistance Package) being implemented by PBSP. These include provision of new classrooms, schools desks, books, supplemental feeding for children, teachers training, and the conduct of reading sessions. This year, the Program expanded its range of projects by adopting water-related initiatives and activities supporting Senior High School Program.

Reaping multiple benefits

OMMC and PBSP recently celebrated the milestones and accomplishments of the Program with its staunch partners who all worked together to achieve a shared mission.

Its donors from across the country, including top three donors PLDT, Inc., Smart Communications and Meralco, were feted with plaques of appreciation for their significant contributions and commitment to the cause.

PLDT joined the program in 2007 and has become the top donor with Php48 million raised from more than two million kilos of batteries donated. It is also the first corporate donor that used its proceeds for building classrooms all over the country. So far, it has repaired and built 29 classrooms, turned over 54 learning resource centers, provided two computer laboratories, and rehabilitated walkways and drainages benefiting almost 1,000 households out of its ULAB donations.

Jessie Sarmiento, Smart Communications’ Assistant Vice President for the Corporate Services Group lauded the program, saying that it has really given so much value for the large sums of money spent on these batteries. Being the second top donor, Smart was able to churn out a total of Php27 million worth of proceeds from their donation of 1.15 million kilos of ULABs.

“For us alone, the impact of this is very much worth the cost of our batteries which mostly come from our cell sites. One piece of battery costs Php27,000 and one set is composed of four pieces. You cannot use it after its useful life because quality is affected. In one year, we dispose more than 100,000 kilos of batteries. With this program, there is no waste and the cost of the batteries are worth it. I think the contribution of this is really huge, not only in terms of the volume of batteries it recycles but also to the recipients of the proceeds – the students, schools and the environment. Because of this, we are able to address proper disposal of batteries and at the same time, give back to the community,” Sarmiento said.

In terms of operational efficiency, he added that the program enabled them to save funds as they no longer spend on transportation and manpower costs in disposing the batteries because Motolite picks it up in their office. He also revealed that they are planning to invite their truckers and other partners to join the program.

Balik Baterya’s third top donor, Meralco has always been into 5S and recycles its junk from both hardware and hazardous materials. Before, the batteries from its vehicles and stations follow the usual disposal process which is through garbage collection. But since they joined the Balik Baterya Program in 2015, Meralco has since become a staunch supporter of the program, donating 71,000 kilos of batteries from their vehicles, stations and radio towers in Bulacan, Quezon and Batangas worth Php2 million.

In fact, the success of the Program has inspired them to start their own recycling project.

“We are proud to be part of the Program and to help schoolchildren. The Program has been inspirational in the sense that we have found an application. We are in the middle of talks with a Japanese company that safely disposes fluorescent lamps with mercury content. Meralco can be a channel where within our franchise we can ask our customers to dispose properly their mercury lamps through the company, in partnership with the Japanese company,” shared Antonio Abuel, Jr., vice president and head of Meralco’s Organizational Safety and Resilience Office.

Abuel added that they are also planning to expand their coverage in the BB program by involving their contractors who maintain a huge volume of vehicles.

As one of the pioneer donors of the program, PLDT, Inc. Community Relations Head and Public Affairs Consultant Evelyn del Rosario is hoping that more institutions, companies, and government will support the program to enable Motolite, PBSP and its partners to achieve more and sustain its efforts to conserve the environment.

“I think everyone should help, even government agencies and local government units. What I envision is that we will all collect these ULABs from Aparri to Jolo, make money from this and fund important projects for education and the environment,” she said.

Published: www.mindanaotimes.net

SMC Yamamura Fuso Molds Gives Assistance to San Francisco ES

Last 22 June 2016, SMC Yamamura Fuso Molds Corporation, represented by its Plant Manager, Engr. Redentor I. Sioson, turned over sports equipment and 27 teachers kits to San Francisco Elementary School in General Trias, Cavite.

The school received sports equipment consisting of 10 volleyballs, 10 basketballs, 10 (5 pairs) badminton rackets with shuttle cocks, 10 (5 pairs) table tennis rackets with table tennis balls, 1 foldable standard-sized table tennis table with wheels and 10 chess boards. 

Ms. Antonette Adao, principal of San Francisco ES, was extremely grateful for the donation of the sports equipment. She emphasized the need for them in order to prepare the school for the upcoming Municipal Meet and West Cavite Sports Unit this August. The school principal also mentioned that they want their students to be active in both academics and extra-curricular activities such as sports. Mrs. Adao promised to draft a maintenance and utilization plan, with guidance from PBSP, to ensure the upkeep of the donation. She also thanked the provision of the twenty-seven teachers kits that will surely be of aid to the teachers in their lessons.

Also present from SMC Yamamura Fuso Molds were the following: Engr. Nestor R. Bico, PTS Head; Ms. Angelina M. Estole, HR Head; Ms. Joyce E. Ebilane, Finance Manager; Ms. Myra M. Leabres, Logistics Manager; Mr. Rainier B. Torres, Safety Officer PCO. PBSP was represented by Mr. Paneilo C. Tunac, Regional Portfolio Coordinator for Education, alongside with Ms. Nicole F. Dungo, Project Officer for Education, and Ms. Ave C. Repoquit, Admin Assistant.

Nestle Ready for School Assistance for Katutubo Village ES

It has been seven years since Nestlé Philippines Inc. and its transport partner companies started participating in the Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program. To date, their 10 collection events have turned over at least 46 tons of used lead-acid batteries amounting to almost one million pesos.

They also have  already implemented six (6) projects benefiting eight (8) public schools from different parts of the Philippines.

This year, Nestlé and its transport companies have decided to adopt Katutubo Village Elementary School (KVES) located in Porac, Pampanga. Katutubo Village, where the school is situated, is one of the resettlement sites that served as refuge of Aeta communities affected by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. The school currently has 261 students and 8 teachers. About 90% of the pupils are Aetas. KVES is a PBSP-adopted school since 2011.

In preparation to the start of classes, representatives from Nestle Philippines, its 12 transport partners, Motolite and PBSP, distributed school supplies kits and snacks  in a visit last June 2, 2016. And since the month of June is also the start of the rainy season, rain protection gears were also distributed. The students also received one pair of slippers each from transport partner, WF Agro Freight.

Nestlé and the transport companies also conducted safety school sessions to the Grades 4 – 6 students to equip them with knowledge on how to avoid accidents inside the school premises. Simultaneously, an session on obedience was also conducted for the Grades 2 – 3, while PBSP and Hakbang volunteers conducted storytelling and arts sessions for Kinder – Grade 1 students. Lunch packs were also distributed to culminate the activity.

Participating transport partners include Fast Cargo Logistics Corporation, WSI, MSA Lorry and Hauling Services, Trakwell Transport Link, Inc., SSR, WF Agrofreight Services Corporation, NMC Container Lines, Inland Corporation, Milaor Trading Corporation, Sultan Kudarat Milling and Trading Inc., XVC Logistics Inc. and Tri-bar One Logistics Company.

PLDT Turns Over Classrooms in Bicol

“Hangad ko po lamang sa inyo, Maging bantayog ang gusaling puti at pulahan, Sa Mga lugar na lubos na nangangailangan… Salamat, buong puso naming sinasambit…Hinding-hindi ko malilimutan PLDT ay nariyan.”

These are some of the lines of the poem delivered beautifully by visually-impaired Grade 3 student Danica Mae Arias for the guests during the turnover of 2 classrooms for the Special Education (SPED) pupils of Banquerohan Elementary School in Legazpi City.

This is a special classrooms project for PLDT since these will be benefiting at least 70 SPED pupils and teachers who, for the past years, have been utilizing the school’s makeshift structures for their everyday classes.

The turnover was attended by PLDT’s Community Relations Head Ms Evelyn del Rosario, Legazpi City Vice Mayor Vitto Roces, Department of Education – Legazpi City Schools Division Superintendent Dr Cecille Rivera, Motolite’s CSR Officer Ms Connie Deligero and PBSP Luzon Regional Center Manager Kristine Rivadelo.

A day earlier last February 11, another classroom was turned over to Colegio de Sta Rita in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur. This is the 2^nd classroom donated by PLDT to help support the completion of its two-storey 24-classroom building.

Run by the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters led by its school directress, Sr. Irene Anapi, the school caters to students from average to poor households of the different barangays of Del Gallego. PLDT’s support to the school is its response to improve accessibility to quality education through supporting private institutions to absorb pupils and students that could have been additional children for the public school system.

As of February 2016, PLDT has turned over 23 new classrooms that were made possible by its donation to the Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program. PLDT remains the biggest donor of the Program with almost 2 million tons of used lead-acid batteries amounting to PhP 45 M. PLDT’s Balik Baterya projects range from classrooms donation to reading corners and computer laboratories to urban road and drainage projects to reforestation projects in the Marikina Watershed.

Monde Nissin MY San Adopts Exodus ES

Last January 15, Monde Nissin MY San turned over 36 reading nooks to Exodus Elementary School in Cainta, Rizal.

Exodus ES is one of the underserved schools in Cainta identified by the DepEd-Division of Rizal. The school also has a significant number of frustrated readers and the reading nooks will assist the school in its remedial reading activities.

Turning over the reading nooks to the school are the company's Pollution Control Officer Mr. Ric Cartilla and HR Coordinator Ms Sheva Batislaon.

PLDT Turns Over 2 Classrooms in Pili, Camarines Sur

Last November 12, PLDT, with its Community Relations Head Ms Evelyn del Rosario, turned over 2 classrooms in Pili West Central School, Camarines Sur.

 Established in 1903, Pili West Central School was the first elementary school in the municipality. The school is composed of 38 regular-permanent teaching personnel serving 1,661 students not only from Barangay San Antonio but also from neighbouring barangays.

The number of classrooms has become inadequate to service the students’ needs and the growing number of enrolees thus PLDT saw the need to respond to this problem.

The construction of the classrooms is made possible by PLDT’s Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program funds. To date, the funds generated by the company’s donated used lead-acid batteries has built and repaired at least 19 classrooms nationwide.

PLDT remains to be the biggest donor of the Program and has turned over for proper recycling almost 1,600 tons amounting to 36 million pesos.

 Present also during the turnover were Pili West Central School Principal Neria Vernejo, Department of Education Camarines Sur Schools Division Superintendent Arnulfo Balane and Hon. Mayor Alexis San Luis.

MERALCO joins Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program

To celebrate Earth Day, MERALCO turned over used lead-acid batteries from its various sectors to the Program. Initial collection is at 21,554 kilos approximately valued at P484,000.

Present during the turnover were MERALCO officers led by North Distribution Services Head Mr. Gigi Aquino, One Meralco Foundation (OMF) President Jeffrey Tarayao and Oriental and Motolite Marketing Corp. CSR Officer Connie Deligero. PBSP was represented by Corporate Affairs Manager Jay Jaboneta, Luzon Regional Center Manager Kristine Rivadelo and Corporate Affairs Staff Bong Baylon.

Funds generated will be used to support the solar electrification of classrooms in remote areas nationwide.

PLDT Turns Over New Balik Baterya Classrooms in Bicol

Last August 2014, PLDT has turned over 3 classrooms in Bicol as continued support to the call for better access to quality education.

Cogon Elementary School in Irosin, Sorsogon was granted 2 classrooms and Colegio de Sta. Rita in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur was given assistance for 1 classroom of their 24-classroom building.

“In line with our business of bridging people and communities here and abroad, we chose education as a major corporate social responsibility program because we acknowledge that more opportunities can be accessed by children and youth who have completed their basic education. We are happy to share that PLDT is building more classrooms nationwide,” said Ms Evelyn del Rosario, PLDT Community Relations Head.

PLDT has long been supporting the construction of new classrooms to address defective and hazardous environment that impedes learning of pupils. The sad state is that more often, teachers and students make most of the resources available and continue to hold classes in dilapidated structures. With these new classrooms, young people will now have a more conducive environment for learning.

This donation was made possible by PLDT’s funds in the Balik Baterya Program of Motolite and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). To date, PLDT, as the Program’s top donor, has turned over almost 1.5 million kilos of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) amounting to P27 million pesos. With its ULABs, the company was able to provide 54 Learning Resource Centers or mini-libraries; construct roads, drainage systems and other facilities such as multi-purpose centers; and organize TB prevention programs. Also with the funds, PLDT was able to construct 11 new classrooms and repaired 6 classrooms nationwide.

“Thank you, PLDT, for this significant contribution to both environment and education. Your donation will surely be benefiting many generations to come. Thank you for the partnership as we work together in improving the lives of more Filipinos,” said PBSP Luzon Regional Center Manager, Ms Kristine J. Rivadelo during the turnover ceremonies in Colegio de Sta Rita last August 14.

PLDT Turns Over Classrooms in Northern Samar

Last June 4-5, PLDT turns over 2 classrooms for Palapag I Central School and 1 classroom for the Barobaybay Mission School. Both schools are in Northern Samar.

Representing PLDT is its Community Relations Head, Ms Evelyn del Rosario. Joining Ms Del Rosario is PBSP's Senior Relationship Management Officer Ms. Olive Jabido and Northern Samar Board Member Florencio Batula.

To date, PLDT's funds in the Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program has built 12 classrooms and repaired 6 classrooms nationwide.

ACS Turns Over Books and Lapel Mics

Last June 10, ACS Manufacturing Corporation, represented by its PCO Mr Mark Lester V. Naredo, turned over 280 books in English, Science, Filipino, Information Technology and Math and 8 units of lapel microphones for Canlubang Elementary School.

In Canlubang Elementary School, there is 1 teacher for every 36 students. This ratio is still acceptable in DepEd standards. However, the proximity of the school in the industrial area and the dense population of the school would need teachers to strain their vocal cords in order to be understood by all students. To address the problem, the funds generated from ACS ULABs were allocated to buy 8 sets of lapel microphones.

The reference books, in turn, will aid the teachers in their preparation of lesson plans and classroom activities.

This is the 2nd year that ACS has provided assistance to the school through their Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya funds. 

Nestle and its Truckers Extend Assistance to Ilocos Norte Public Elementary Schools

After 7 collection events and 3  public schools, Nestle-Supply Chain Management and its truckers now goes North to provide assistance to another 3 schools.

The recipient schools in Ilocos Norte are Parang Elementary Elementary School in Bacarra, Cabisuculan-Columbia ES in Vintar and Piddig Central ES in Piddig. All of the 3 schools each received a learning resource corner package and 45 school chairs.

The donations were made to support the USAID Basa Pilipinas Program and the Pres. Corazon Aquino School Desks Project.

Gracing the event hosted by Parang ES are Nestle's Gilbert Javier, PBSP Group Director for Finance and Admin Maria Lourdes G. Arroyo, BASA Pilipinas La Union Team Leader Adelia Licos and DepEd - Ilocos Norte Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Cecilia P. Aribuabo.

The truckers represented in the event were TRI-BAR Warehousing and Distribution System, Inc., MSA Lorry Hauling Services, WF Agro-Freight Services, Inland Corporation and Fast Services Corp. Owner Ms. Cherry Lynn Domingo-Trinidad delivered the message on behalf of the truckers during the programme.

PLDT Formally Turns Over 6 Reading Corners in La Union

PLDT, led by its Head for Community Relations Ms. Evelyn del Rosario formally turned over 6 reading corners to priority public elementary schools, namely: Sto. Tomas Central School, Cabaruan Integrated School, Aringay Central School, Sengngat Elementary School, Rimos Elementary School and Mangaan Elementary School.

The reading corners were donated in support to the USAID-funded Basa Pilipinas Program,  of which PBSP is a member of the implementing team. Among PBSP’s tasks is to support the establishment of partnerships with the business and private sector to promote increased awareness around reading, specifically to support the establishment of reading corners in target public schools. This is to leverage the trainings for the school heads that will in turn be provided by BASA Pilipinas to enhance the school’s initiatives in improving reading skills and comprehension of school children.

Joining PLDT in the turnover ceremonies are PBSP's Luzon Regional Center Manager Ms. Kristine Rivadelo, BASA Pilipinas La Union Team Leader Ms. Adelia Licos and DepEd La Union Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rowena Banzon.

SMYPC Rightpak Ends 2013 with Gift Giving

New Companies Ink Support to the Motolite-PBSP Baterya Program

Three companies recently signed up to support Project LEAP: Draka Philippines, Inc., Pulp Specialties Philippines, Inc. and Pricon Microelectronics, Inc.

Thank you so much for choosing to entrust your ULABs to the Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program!

Nestle and Truckers Support CDO Collection Event

Last August 8, 2013, Nestle truckers participated in their first Mindanao collection event held in Transpecial, Inc. Compound, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City.

Participating truckers are Transpecial, Inc., Fast Cargo Logistics Corporation and SKMTI.

Since 2009, Nestle and its truckers have been supporting the country's public education system through its support to the Balik Baterya's Project LEAP or the Learning Enhancement Assistance Package. Past projects included donation of textbooks and storybooks, conduct of reading camp, provision of supplementary feeding and support to the Pres. Corazon Aquino School Desk Project.

To date, Nestle and its truckers have turned over a total of 28 tons of used lead-acid batteries amounting to almost P750K.