FROM WASTE TO GOLD

By
Sandra Lemonon
Bachelor of Science in International Relations
July 2021
 INTRODUCTION

Minola (2020) described waste or garbage as “unwanted or unusable materials,

which were discarded after primary use. They are deemed to be worthless, defective,
and of no use. Households are the primary sources of garbage followed by factories
and establishments. In the Philippines, waste or garbage are often mismanaged which
made tremendous adverse effects to human and environment health.

As a concerned constituent of Timahon, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Norte; I saw this

problem to be dominating in our barangay. It is the very reason why I am designing a
program which I will be presenting to the Committee on Solid Waste with the hope that
this will gain support and become sustainable when implemented.

From Waste to Gold is the name of my program design which details are
explained later on in this document.

Location
Timahon, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Norte

Timahon is one of the 30 barangays of the town of Sta, Maria, Ilocos Norte. It is
characterized by green verdant mountains, agriculture-rich plains, and a long-stretched
coastal area of fisherfolks.

One of the problems Timahon is facing right now, one of the consequences of
increasing population, is lack of program that focuses on efficient management of
garbage, specifically plastics and scrap metals.

Barangay Leader

Timahon is headed by Barangay Capt. Zosimo Matuguis, a 59-year-old father of

five and a dedicated husband to Mrs. Teresa Matuguis, a public-school teacher.
Program Title

Finding opportunities after thorough research, it has been learned that

government and nongovernment organizations alike are willing to invest on a project
that would answer the growing problem on garbage. This has been the inspiration and
motivation of this author in designing From Waste to Gold.

Objectives of the Program

This program aims to:

1. conserve resources
2. help clean and protect the environment
3. transform waste into opportunities that help reduce poverty and inequality by
generating employment among poor households and by moving highly
vulnerable households into sustainable livelihoods and toward economic stability.

Legal Basis

From Waste to Gold finds its strength from RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act that provides for a systematic, comprehensive and ecological
waste management program to ensure the protection of public health and the
environment. It mandates the local government unites (LGUs) to achieve 25% waste
reduction through establishing an integrated solid waste management plans based on
3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycling). 

In addition, Barangay Resolution No. 005 provides that a viable waste

management program must be established with the help of the community.

Project Chairman
 The Chairman of the Committee on Solid Waste Management will be the
chairman of the program. The author, Sandra Lemonon, will serve as a consultant and
lead implementer.

Calendar of Activities
October 2021
Presentation of the Program
The program From Waste to Gold will be presented to the barangay council of Timahon.
Once accepted and approved by the council, the lead implementer will then seek
sponsorships and supports from public and private institutions and individuals.

November 2021
Information Drive and Orientation
An information drive about the program will be conducted by the lead implementer and
project chairman, with the help of the barangay council of Timahon. Comprehensive
orientation about the program will also be conducted so that every household member
will realize the importance of being a responsible manager of their own waste and learn
that an opportunity to make waste as a source of income.

December 2021
Registration of Participants
At least one member of a household is highly encouraged to join in the training. Pre-
registration of participants is necessary for the identification of training needs and
resources.

January 2022
Program Launching and Opening of the Training on Scrap-Décor Making
The program will be launched inviting all stakeholders. Officially registered participants
undergo the 3-month training on Scrap-Décor Making. The training includes how to turn
wastes into marketable functional arts and knowing the scrap-décor market chain.
February 2022
Continuation of the Training
The training continues with the audience of partner organizations and individuals.

March 2022
Culmination
Successful trainees will be presented and awarded with certificates. The first
organizational meeting of the graduates will also be conducted.

April 2022
Finding Assistance
The newly-formed scrap décor organization will be assisted in finding of funding to start
applying the training inputs.

May 2022
Application of Training Inputs
After the 3-month training sessions, trained individuals will now start convening in the
Scrap Décor Center which will be provided by the barangay.

May 2021
Marketing Assistance
Government agencies who could assist in the marketing aspect of the decors will be
invited.

June - July 2022

Livelihood at the Center
The organization members continue to make decors from scrap materials.

August 2022
Evaluation
An evaluation meeting will be conducted and attended by all stakeholders.
STS Concepts Involved

The program is related to the concepts on environmental issues and STS and the
human condition among others.

Issues Addressed

From Waste to Gold helps solve the increasing problem on plastic and metal
garbage. By recycling and using them, we lessen the negative impacts of garbage to
both human and environment health.

Personal Reflection

Designing a program is never easy. But learning through the different essential
concepts of STS, I was motivated to create this program with the hope for a successful
implementation.

I believe that great things start from small beginnings. So, with united interest for
the betterment of life, society, and environment; I believe no beautiful program will fail. I
admit that I wasn’t so caring about our environment and society, but putting my heart on
the matter made me realize that I need to involve myself. I need to be the light in the
dark when somebody else is not finding it.

I know its an uphill climb, but those who do not try are cowards. And I don’t want
to make my self worry for not doing anything. Because I know I can. We can, if we join
hands and march forward together for a better and brighter tomorrow.