OVER 5,000 kilograms of non-biodegradable trash have been collected and converted into fluff fuel, an alternative to coal, under a pilot waste segregation project in Barangay Luz that is now on its sixth week.
In an event held at Luz National High School on Saturday, July 5, 2025, students joined a seminar and hands-on demonstration on how plastic waste can be converted into fuel and repurposed into eco-bricks by stuffing plastic wrappers into used bottles.
A total of 5,650 kilograms were collected since May 23 with the barangay launching its “eco-warriors” in June.
The initiative to convert trash into fuel is a joint effort of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Cebu, JCI Japan and SM GUUN Environmental Company Inc. The project aims to reduce Cebu City’s reliance on landfills and coal while instilling waste discipline among residents.
Waste is collected every Tuesday, with SM GUUN accepting only non-biodegradable materials suitable for fluff fuel conversion.
“Instead of coal, they are using fluff fuel. So there’s lesser carbon emission and our trash has a clear destination,” said Johnel Luceno, JCI Cebu vice president for community development.
Barangay Luz was selected as the pilot area due to its readiness to implement proper waste practices.
The barangay mobilized its “eco-warriors” to inspect whether residents follow proper segregation before trash collection.
So far, the collected waste has produced the equivalent of 10 units of fluff fuel, now being used by industries that typically rely on coal.
“We invited the mayor because we can’t sustain this on our own. The City Government should continue this,” Luceno added, stressing the need for institutional support after the pilot ends on Aug. 26.
Mayor Nestor Archival, who attended the event, backed the initiative, acknowledging the urgent need to reduce waste management costs.
“We generate half a kilo of garbage per person each day. With one million people, that’s 500,000 kilos daily. And we pay P1.5 to P2 million a day for landfill disposal — that’s wasted,” he said.
Wataru Oizumi, chairman of JCI Japan’s “Smile by Action” campaign, said the project stemmed from their concern about plastic pollution in the Philippines.
“We want to make an impact and continue this initiative in other cities,” he said.
School principal Janice Relampago said the campaign also helps students understand how to manage their waste better.
Barangay Captain Renato Labrador said proceeds from the program will be used to provide school supplies or basic goods as incentives for residents who comply with segregation practices. / CDF with reports from John Mart Mabalhin, VSU Intern