A barangay in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental has launched a program that aims to clear the community of garbage and plastic wastes.

Dubbed as ‘Basura baylo bugas’, the initiative was launched to mitigate the problem on plastic wastes in Barangay Amoros.

According to the barangay, the program aligns with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003).

Three kilos of plastic waste will be exchanged with a kilo of rice and canned goods.

“Naa gihapon mga basura nga ginalabay even every week mi ga clean-up drive mao na atong tagaan ug solusyon kay naulaw mi sa taga CLENRO,” Barangay Amoros Councilman, Ric Jaraula, said.

As of this writing, the barangay has already collected 300 kilos of plastic wastes from residents and gave out nearly 100 packs of rice in exchange.

“Imbes ilabay na lang nako sa basurahan dili na lang kay naa man diay pangabuhi gihapon, daghan kaayo Salamat,” a resident, Violeta Tacbas, said.

The barangay added that the program will be conducted monthly and its personnel will personally go to each zone to implement the program.

“Happy sila bisan ginagmay naa sila nadawat,” Barangay Councilwoman, Eva Manabat, added.