On October 12, 2024, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) buzzed with excitement as stakeholders from various sectors gathered to launch the Plastics For Resilience (PFR) project. From 9 AM to 12 PM, the event brought together representatives from government agencies, educational institutions, private companies, and local government units (LGUs) to address the pressing challenges of plastic waste and disaster resilience.
Engaging Discussions
The day started with warm welcomes from Prof. Tracy Ann Briggs and Prof. Michael Chad Briggs, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. Following their inspiring introduction, Augustus Caesar Esmeralda, Chief Resilience Officer of Resilient.PH shared the organization’s vision and its Resilience Programming Framework (RPF), encouraging all attendees to work together towards a sustainable future.
Expert Insights: Tackling Key Issues
The launch featured a series of engaging presentations from industry leaders who addressed crucial topics related to the PFR initiative:
- The Plastic Crisis: Assistant Director Esperanza Sajul from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provided an overview of the alarming state of plastic pollution in the Philippines. Her presentation, “The Plastic Crisis: A Situationer,” emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat this pressing issue.
- Disaster Risks and Waste Management: Raquel De Leon, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), discussed the vital connection between effective solid waste management and disaster preparedness. Her insights into “Solid Waste and Disaster Risks” underscored how improving waste practices can significantly reduce the impact of disasters on communities.
- Innovative Solutions: Engr. Leonardo Samaniego Jr. from Asia Pacific College (APC) wrapped the presentations with an inspiring talk on “Innovation for Disaster Resilience.” He showcased innovative approaches that transform waste into valuable resources, motivating attendees to think creatively about solutions.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Monica Macasaet, Chief Operating Officer of Malaya Business Insights. She expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in driving meaningful change.
Highlighting Sustainable Innovations
One of the event’s standout features was an exhibit by TeslabArc showcasing innovative products made from recycled plastic materials. This display captivated the audience and illustrated the PFR project’s mission: to turn waste into resources through creativity and technology.
The Exciting PFR Hackathon
As enthusiasm grew throughout the day, participants looked ahead to the upcoming PFR Hackathon. This exciting competition aims to inspire fresh ideas for utilizing recycled plastics in resilience projects. Winners will receive support from New Nexus Energy, a partner dedicated to fostering innovation in this field.
The hackathon is designed to be inclusive, inviting participants from all backgrounds—students, professionals, and anyone passionate about sustainability—to share their ideas and help drive change. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to develop practical solutions that address the intertwined challenges of plastic waste and disaster resilience.
Next Steps: Engaging the Community
With the launch event wrapping up, attention now shifts to the next phase of the PFR project: concept note submissions. Starting in November, individuals and organizations can submit their proposals for the Hackathon, which will remain open until December. Detailed guidelines will be provided soon, encouraging many stakeholders to participate.
This call to action invites anyone passionate about sustainability to engage and contribute to the mission of building resilient communities.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future
The launch of the Plastics For Resilience project represents a significant step towards creating sustainable and resilient communities. By fostering collaboration and innovation, stakeholders are working to address plastic waste challenges while developing solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
As the PFR project progresses, all participants are encouraged to stay involved and participate in the upcoming hackathon and concept note submissions. Together, we can build a future where sustainability and resilience are at the forefront of our communities.
Please contact us for inquiries and more information. Stay tuned for updates on submission details and project developments. The journey toward a brighter, more resilient future has only just begun!
