Last June 22, 2022, the first ever Circular Center in the Philippines, a pilot project by the nonprofit CORA (Communities Organized for Resource Allocation), and funded by the USAID (United States Agency for international Development) “Clean Cities, Blue Ocean” Program, was made official with the MOA signing of its key partners: Barangay San Isidro, Our Lady of Unity Parish, and Area 5 Homeowners Association in Parañaque City. The signatories include Ms. Antoinette Taus, Founder of CORA and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador; Mr. Noel Japlos, Chairperson of Barangay San Isidro; Rev. Msngr. Mario Martinez, Parish Head of Our Lady of Unity Parish; and Mr. Joseph Sembrano, President of Area 5 Homeowners Association. The ceremony solidified the support of the local government unit, the parish church, and the homeowners association—crucial components in the development of the Circular Center.
As part of its mission to holistically strengthen local waste management systems, CORA’s Circular Center is strategically located at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) of Barangay San Isidro in Parañaque City, and operated by 10 empowered women – CORA’s Circular Center Champions. The establishment of the Circular Center aims to target plastic waste directly at its source, and encourages communities to practice waste segregation in their respective households.
USAID’s global "Clean Cities, Blue Ocean" (CCBO) was launched in late 2019 as the agency’s flagship program to combat marine litter. One of seven focal countries, CCBO’s engagement in the Philippines comes at a pivotal time for progress on plastic pollution.
Learn more about the program here: wearecora.org/ccbo
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