CLARK FREEPORT -- A recycling event spearheaded by Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has yielded more than P1.2 million worth of waste materials.

The waste materials were collected during the 25th Recyclables and Hazardous Waste Collection Event (RHWCE) led by CDC, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Environmental Practitioners' Association Inc. (EPA), and other environmental service partners.

At least 74 businesses, institutions, residents, as well as representatives from the Bureau of Customs participated in the event.

CDC-Environmental Permits Division (EPD) Manager Engineer Rogelio Magat said the event is by far the highest grossing RHWCE since it first started in June 2003.

"The recyclables event has been a resounding success. This has been the top-grossing event that we have conducted since its inception. We hope to learn from the safety strategies we've tested, and implement them in future iterations," Magat said.

Among the biggest haul in this year's recyclable collection event are the 1,462 pieces of used lead-acid batteries worth over P515,000; followed by acid, alkali wastes and organic solvent about 26,830 kg worth over P276,000.

Magat also said that 12,057 pieces of busted fluorescent lamps worth about P120,000; 75 kg of inks, dyes and paint sludge worth P2,400; and some 5,558 liters of used oil worth P51,000. Other waste products such as used waste tires, grease trap waste, oil-contaminated materials and electronic wastes and special wastes were also collected during the event.

CDC-EPD has also expanded the event's collection coverage by including acid and alkali wastes, inks and paints, and waste tires among others. Scheduled pickups for bulk collection were also arranged for the safety and convenience of other participants.

Magat, who is also the president of the EPA, is committed to keeping Clark an environmentally sustainable zone even during the pandemic.

"Extending the event to three days allows us to ensure the health and safety of our service providers and locators, as well as giving them ample time to plan their recycling trip," Magat said.

Despite the delays due to the pandemic, the said event was successfully conducted in cooperation with the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. through their Bantay Baterya and Bantay Langis Projects.

SFA Semicon Philippines Inc., a locator here, is among the top donors of the Bantay Baterya program that pledged half of their donation to ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation and to the EPA.

CDC was also supported by other environmental service partners namely, Joechem Environmental Corp., Dolomatrix Philippines Inc., Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corp., Soliman EC Septic Tank Disposal and General Services, Far East Fuel Corp., and Semirecycling Co, Inc.

Its success was also made possible through the support and three-day clearance issued by Directors William Cuñado and Wilson Trajeco, from the Environmental Management Bureau Central Office and Regional Office III, respectively.

The large amount of hazardous waste properly collected and treated by reliable environmental partners ensures a healthier and safer environment for the Clark Freeport Zone and beyond.