The Baliwag Water District (BWD) has reinforced its commitment to environmental conservation and community development through a range of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities aimed at sustainable progress and public welfare.

Speaking during the Philippine Information Agency’s 26th𝐾𝑎𝑝𝑖ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎 𝐵𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑠, BWD Legal Services and Public Information Head Jose Angelo Pagkanlungan highlighted the district’s flagship plastic waste diversion program, which addresses pollution by reducing plastic usage and promoting upcycling.

“Plastic pollution is a pressing issue due to its persistent lifecycle. Through this program, we aim to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, plastic waste,” Pagkanlungan said.

The program involves partnerships with schools to collect plastic waste, which is then sent to an upcycling facility to produce eco-bricks. These eco-bricks are repurposed to construct handwashing facilities in participating schools, creating a dual benefit for education and environmental protection.

“To encourage participation, we reward schools that contribute the highest volume of plastics by prioritizing them as recipients of the eco-handwashing facilities,” Pagkanlungan explained.

The initiative has been highly effective, consistently surpassing its annual collection target of 1,500 kilograms of plastic, thanks to active school participation. Plans are underway to expand partnerships to include churches, grocery stores, and malls to broaden the program’s impact.

In addition to the plastic waste diversion program, BWD conducts an annual clean-up drive in March to mark World Water Day. The activity focuses on areas connected to the Angat River to prevent pollution, in collaboration with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Barangays Poblacion and Tibag.

The district also offers free leak audits and repairs for schools, institutions, and offices every March as part of its CSR initiatives.

“Our primary focus is on environmental protection. Initiatives like clean-up drives and leak repairs demonstrate our commitment to preserving natural resources and supporting the community,” Pagkanlungan added.

These programs underscore BWD’s dedication to fostering environmental stewardship and ensuring sustainable growth for Baliwag and neighboring communities. (PIA 3 | Marie Joy S. Carbungco)