Ang Pahayagan

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) strengthened its campaign for environmental sustainability as it marked Earth Day with a large-scale recyclable and hazardous waste collection drive that drew strong participation from employees, residents, locators, students, and environmental advocates.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño led the celebration and called on the community, whom he described as “environmental warriors,” to take an active role in building a greener and more sustainable port ecozone.

Aliño underscored the urgency of addressing waste generation, noting that millions of tons of municipal solid waste are produced globally each year, with individuals contributing an average of 1.6 pounds of waste daily.

“In a dynamic hub like Subic Bay Freeport Zone—with over 170,000 workers, 6,000 residents, and more than 4,000 establishments—we can only imagine the volume of waste generated every day. But all is not lost. Our environment still has hope,” he said.

He emphasized that environmental protection requires collective and consistent action.

“Every recyclable waste collection event reminds us that our individual actions—reducing, reusing, and recycling—create a powerful collective impact,” Aliño said, adding that the SBMA remains committed to transforming Subic Bay into a model green and resilient port ecozone.

According to the SBMA Ecology Center, nearly 167,000 kilograms, or 167 metric tons, of waste were diverted to partner recycling facilities from 2025 to 2026 through the biannual Recyclables Collection Event (RCE), highlighting the impact of sustained environmental programs.

The Earth Day celebration coincided with the 18th RCE, where recyclables and selected hazardous waste materials were collected to promote proper waste segregation and responsible disposal practices within the Freeport zone.

📸Renato W. Lee III, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment, joins Rossel L. Abuyo, officer-in-charge of the SBMA Ecology Center, and Enrique Tacbad, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry-Zambales, in leading the ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the MSME Trade Fair exhibit at Harbor Point.

The weeklong celebration began on April 20 with activities at Ayala Harbor Point Mall aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. Activities included the “Refill Revolution for a Cause,” an MSME Trade Fair, and the “Green Runway,” where SBMA employees showcased creative outfits made from recycled and reusable materials.

During the April 22 program at the Mini Golf Course area, SBMA also introduced members of the “Green Marshalls,” who will serve as environmental stewards during various events in the Freeport.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for the Regulatory Group and Officer-in-Charge Deputy Administrator for Public Health Amethya P. Dela Llana highlighted the importance of continued community participation in environmental programs.

“This initiative shows that when the community comes together, we can significantly reduce waste and protect our environment. Every recyclable collected today contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable Subic Bay,” Dela Llana said.

She also revealed plans to revive the “Earth Day Jam,” a large-scale environmental festival being eyed for November 2026.

“Our dream for November is to bring back Earth Day Jam—a signature event in Subic Bay featuring photo contests, body painting, float parades, and a grand musical celebration with popular bands,” she said.

Previous editions of the event featured performances by OPM acts such as Urbandub, Brownman Revival, and Nyoy Volante, drawing large crowds while promoting environmental awareness through music and the arts.

Dela Llana said organizers hope the event will once again gain strong public support and provide a vibrant, educational, and accessible celebration for the community.

The Earth Day activities concluded on April 23 with nearly 400 volunteers participating in a coastal cleanup drive along the shoreline of the Waterfront area in the Freeport zone. (Text and photos for Ang Pahayagan / Jun Dumaguing)