Project 1M School Chair: Plastik? Huli ka!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

"Project 1M School Chair: Plastik? Huli ka!" is a nationwide initiative by Bayanihan para sa Kalikasan Movement, Inc. and the Green Party of the Philippines. Addressing the Philippines' significant problem with single-use plastic waste (2.7 million tons annually, often burned or dumped), the project aims to divert 12 million kilograms of such plastics by 2027. These plastics will be recycled into durable school chairs and classroom furniture for under-served public schools.

The project has three main objectives: environmental recovery (collecting and recycling flexible plastics, reducing burning/dumping), education support (producing 50,000+ school chairs/desks), and community mobilization/awareness (engaging various stakeholders in plastic recovery and promoting circular economy practices).

The approach involves:

Circular Economy Promotion: Highlighting the value of recycling low-value plastics.

Target Beneficiaries: Primarily public schools in needy areas, youth, families, local leaders, waste-pickers, and recyclers.

Collection & Sorting: Establishing over 1,000 Plastic Recovery Points (PRPs) in various community hubs and implementing incentive-based campaigns for collecting hard-to-recycle items like wrappers and sachets.

Recycling & Production: Partnering with manufacturers to process plastics into non-toxic, durable, child-safe school furniture.

Distribution & Outreach: Delivering furniture via "eco-caravans" and conducting community education on plastic lifecycle, health impacts of burning plastics, and sustainable lifestyles.

The project's timeline (2024-2027) sets increasing target volumes for plastic collection, culminating in 1 million kg by 2027. Expected outputs include the 12 million kg of plastic waste collected, 50,000+ school chairs produced, and engagement of over 1 million citizens.

For sustainability, the project plans to establish permanent PRPs supported by local ordinances, create community plastic cooperatives, and integrate with existing educational initiatives like Brigada Eskwela. It also advocates for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and brand accountability for plastic packaging. Partnerships are crucial, involving public sectors (DepEd, DILG, LGUs, DENR), private sectors (CSR programs, waste management), civic organizations (schools, youth groups), and media for advocacy.

In conclusion, "Project 1M School Chair: Plastik? Huli ka!" seeks to transform the single-use plastic crisis into a dual solution for environmental protection and educational support, by reclaiming waste and rebuilding classrooms. The project is prepared by Jeph Ramos, President of the Green Party of the Philippines and Vice President of Bayanihan para sa Kalikasan Movement, Inc.

PROJECT CONCEPT PAPER

Project Title: PROJECT 1M SCHOOL CHAIR: PLASTIK? HULI KA!

A national project initiated by

Bayanihan para sa Kalikasan Movement, Inc. and Green Party of the Philippines

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The Philippines generates over 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, much of which consists of low-value, single-use plastics like junk food wrappers, sachets, and plastic pouches. These materials are difficult to recycle and are often burned or dumped, particularly in remote areas with little waste infrastructure—resulting in serious environmental and health hazards.

PROJECT 1M School Chair: Plastik? Huli ka! is an innovative nationwide initiative aimed at collecting and recycling 12 million kilograms of single-use plastic waste by 2027, transforming them into durable school chairs and classroom furniture for under-served public schools across the country.

This initiative promotes environmental sustainability, supports public education, and empowers communities through active participation in plastic waste recovery.

PROJECT SUBTITLE EXPLAINED:

"PLASTIK? HULI KA!"

A catchy campaign phrase calling out single-use plastics—transforming a problem (“Plastik!”) into an opportunity (“Huli ka!”) through collective action, environmental consciousness, and innovation.

PROJECT GOAL:

To divert 12 million kilograms of plastic pouches and other single-use plastics from waste streams by 2027, and recycle them into usable school furniture for public schools in need.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

Environmental Recovery:

a)  Collect and recycle plastic pouches, junk food wrappers, sachets, and similar flexible plastics.

b)  Reduce plastic burning and illegal dumping, especially in remote and coastal barangays.

Education Support:

Produce and distribute at least 50,000 school chairs and desks to public schools lacking basic learning equipment.

Community Mobilization & Awareness:

a)  Engage students, households, LGUs, and civil society in localized plastic recovery efforts.

b)  Conduct public information campaigns to promote responsible plastic disposal and circular economy practices.

Circular Economy Promotion: Showcase the value of recycling low-value plastics and integrating them into a functional, visible product for the public good.

TARGET BENEFICIARIES:

Public elementary and high schools in poor or disaster-prone areas

Youth, families, and local leaders participating in plastic recovery

Waste-pickers and local "recyclers" involved in the value chain

APPROACH & ACTIVITIES:

Collection & Sorting Drives:

a.  Establish Plastic Recovery Points (PRPs) in barangays, schools, markets, and churches;

b.  Focus on accepting difficult-to-recycle items such as:

i.   Junk food wrappers;

ii.  Detergent sachets;

iii. Plastic pouches (from coffee, shampoo, etc; and

c.  Implement incentive-based campaigns (e.g., school competitions, barangay rewards, eco-points).

Recycling & Production:

a.  Partner with green manufacturers and recycling companies that can process flexible plastics into composite materials used for school furniture;

b.  Ensure products are:

i.   Non-toxic and weather-resistant

ii.  Child-safe and ergonomic

iii. Custom-designed with anti-tipping and long-durability

Distribution & Outreach:

a.  Deliver chairs through eco-caravans in coordination with DepEd and LGUs;

b.  Include community education on:

c.   Plastic lifecycle

d.  Health impacts of burning plastics

e.  Sustainable lifestyle practices

TIMELINE (2024-2027):

Year Key Activities Target Volume

2024 Pilot collection sites, initial 100 schools served 200,000 kg

2025 Expansion to 20 provinces, major awareness push 400,000 kg

2026 Nationwide coverage, media partnerships 800,000 kg

2027 Final collection surge, completion, impact report 1,000,000 kg

Export to Sheets

EXPECTED OUTPUTS:

12 million kg of single-use plastic waste collected and recycled;

50,000+ school chairs produced and distributed;

1,000+ active Plastic Recovery Points (PRPs); and

Engagement of over 1 million citizens across campaigns and drives

SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES:

Set up permanent barangay-level PRPs supported by LGU ordinances;

Establish community plastic cooperatives linked to "recyclers"; and

Integrate the initiative into DepEd's Brigada Eskwela, Youth Environment Camps, and

LGU CLIMATE ACTION PLANS

Advocate for extended producer responsibility (EPR) compliance and brand accountability in sachet and plastic pouch production

PARTNERSHIP & SUPPORT CHANNELS:

Public Sector: DepEd, DILG, LGUs, DENR

Private Sector: CSR programs, waste management firms, logistics providers

Civic Organizations: Schools, youth groups, church groups, barangay councils

Media & Influencers: Advocacy campaigns, storytelling, transparency reports

CONCLUSION:

Through Project 1M School Chair: Plastik? Huli ka!, we turn the crisis of single-use plastics into a solution that supports both the environment and education. Together, we can reclaim our waste, re-imagine its value, and rebuild classrooms—one plastic pouch at a time.

Prepared by

JEPH RAMOS

President - Green Party of the Philippines

Vice President - Bayanihan para sa Kalikasan Movement, Inc.

Toxic Threat Lurks in Kiddie Flip Flops: EcoWaste Coalition Issues Urgent Warning Over Dangerous Lead Levels in Budget Footwear

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a disturbing revelation that rattles every parent's sense of safety, the environmental watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition has uncovered alarming levels of toxic lead in children's plastic flip flops sold in budget stores for as low as ₱20 a pair. These seemingly harmless footwear items—colorful, cheap, and often marketed with playful designs—may actually be silent threats to children’s health and development.

As part of their relentless advocacy against consumer products tainted with hazardous chemicals, EcoWaste Coalition purchased 10 pairs of imported flip flops from a local low-cost store and subjected them to thorough chemical screening. The results were nothing short of chilling.

Using a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, the group detected dangerously high levels of lead—a heavy metal banned in many countries for its irreversible health effects—on key parts of the slippers, including:

The footbed or sole

The decorative ornaments on the straps

The printed logos

Nine out of the 10 pairs tested positive for lead in concentrations that exceed internationally accepted safety limits. Among the findings:

Ornaments on 8 of the slippers contained 150 to 9,510 parts per million (ppm) of lead

Soles or footbeds on 4 pairs registered 1,890 to 2,431 ppm

Logos printed on 6 pairs had 261 to 4,084 ppm

One particular yellow pair stood out as the worst offender, with its ornament, sole, and logo containing 5,120 ppm, 2,388 ppm, and 3,389 ppm of lead, respectively.

To put these numbers into perspective, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) mandates a strict lead limit of 100 ppm in children’s products, while European Union regulations cap lead content in PVC articles at 1,000 ppm—limits that these slippers flagrantly surpass.

These flip flops, mostly labeled “Made in China,” are composed of materials such as PVC, PVCU, and EVA—substances that, if improperly manufactured, can act as vessels for dangerous additives like lead.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lead is among the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern globally, especially to young children and women of child-bearing age. Even at low levels, no amount of lead exposure is considered safe. The consequences are permanent and devastating:

Brain development damage

Reduced IQ and attention span

Behavioral disorders and antisocial behavior

Lower academic achievement

Long-term neurological and physiological damage

“This is not just a public health issue—it’s a moral and regulatory crisis,” EcoWaste Coalition emphasized in its statement. “We call on our national authorities to take urgent action to rid the market of these toxic products and ensure that all children’s items are certified safe, properly labeled, and manufactured in compliance with global safety standards.”

EcoWaste further pressed for greater vigilance from regulatory bodies, stressing that imported children’s goods must not bypass strict chemical safety checks. The group urges parents and consumers to be cautious, avoid unbranded or suspiciously cheap children’s products, and demand transparency and accountability from sellers and manufacturers alike.

This latest exposé adds to growing concerns about the unchecked flow of hazardous products into local markets, particularly in sectors catering to children, where oversight can mean the difference between a safe childhood and a lifetime of consequences.

The danger is real, the evidence undeniable. A child’s health should never come with a ₱20 price tag.

Why Cancelling Duterte Youth’s Partylist Status Could Spark the Reform We Desperately Need

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

It’s not every day you see justice write itself so poetically, but this might be one of those rare moments.

After years of controversy, delays, and mounting questions, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has finally moved to cancel the partylist registration of the Duterte Youth — a group whose name, ideology, and alleged violations have long stirred debate. Now, with this major step taken, many are waiting with bated breath for the decision to become final and executory.

And when that day comes? Well, it would mean that three more partylist representatives — all from the progressive Makabayan Bloc — could finally be proclaimed. Yes, that’s right. If things go as they should, Duterte Youth’s removal may indirectly ensure that ACT Teachers (Antonio Tinio), Kabataan (Renee Co), and Gabriela (Sarah Elago) retain their rightful seats in Congress. A plot twist for the ages: the group that spent years vilifying so-called communists might just end up empowering their biggest critics. Karma? Irony? Call it what you want.

A Strong Legal Case… and Something Deeper

The Comelec’s Second Division didn’t just pull this decision out of thin air. Their ruling is grounded in solid constitutional and legal principles. It details how Duterte Youth allegedly violated laws meant to keep our electoral processes fair, honest, and transparent.

Among the most damning revelations? The use of a false surname by Duterte Youth’s first nominee. Let that sink in. The very person expected to represent citizens in Congress may have started off by signing official documents with a fake name. Both the Certificate of Nomination and the Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination — which are required by law to be notarized — reportedly contained this falsehood.

Imagine the everyday Filipino struggling to secure a passport, or a birth certificate, or a loan, knowing they’d face legal trouble for even the smallest mistake on a notarized document. And here we have someone trying to get into Congress using a name that’s not theirs?

The Bigger Picture: A Partylist System in Crisis

Let’s be honest: Duterte Youth is just the tip of the iceberg. The partylist system, which was supposed to level the playing field and give the underrepresented a real voice in national policy-making, has slowly been hijacked. Instead of labor leaders, farmers, fisherfolk, and other marginalized groups, we now see partylist groups backed by corporations, dynasties, and even government agencies. Some “partylist” groups barely even pretend to advocate for a sector — they’re political springboards, plain and simple.

This perversion of the system has led many to throw their hands up and call for its abolition altogether. But that would be a tragic mistake.

Scrapping the partylist system would be like demolishing a house just because it needs repairs. We don’t need to kill the idea — we need to fix it.

A Way Forward — Yes, It Exists

Instead of giving up, we need to look back at how things were supposed to work. In 2001, the Comelec and Supreme Court disqualified Mamamayan Ayaw sa Droga (MAD) because it didn’t represent any marginalized sector. That decision helped clarify that the partylist system is not a free-for-all. It’s meant for groups pushed to the fringes, not for elites looking for an extra seat in Congress.

We also need to keep the formula for allocating all partylist seats — something the Constitution itself mandates — so that more groups can break through, especially those who rarely make it past the gatekeepers of traditional politics.

Think about it: when was the last time you saw a genuine representative for the LGBT community in Congress? Ang Ladlad, the first openly gay partylist, was once banned for supposed immorality. That was 2010 — not exactly ancient history. Meanwhile, groups representing consumers, PWDs, commuters, small entrepreneurs, gig workers, and OFWs often get drowned out by “partylist” groups that are little more than proxies for the rich and powerful.

Time for Real Champions to Step Up

This is where genuine progressive forces like Bayan Muna must return to the forefront. Remember, it was Bayan Muna that brought down MAD in 2001, setting a precedent for keeping fakes out of the partylist system. Now, with public trust eroding, they have another chance to lead — this time by cleaning house and shining a spotlight on all the impostors masquerading as champions of the poor.

Reforming the partylist system won’t be easy. It won’t be fast. But a final Comelec ruling canceling Duterte Youth’s registration would be one hell of a start. It would show that we can still fix broken systems, that the Constitution still matters, and that — once in a while — the good guys do get the last word.

Let’s hope the Comelec stands firm. The partylist system might just depend on it.