The Philippines embassy in Qatar, in partnership with Al Meera, launched a recycling initiative yesterday in observance of the “Philippine Environment Month of June”.
The week-long campaign titled “Kabayan Recycles: Together, Let’s Beat Plastic Pollution” will run until July 7 and aims to inspire the Filipino community to recycle plastic bottles using Al Meera’s reverse vending machines (RVM) available in branches nationwide.
The launch was graced by embassy officials and Al Meera executives, and participated in by women-led Filipino community organisations at the Al Meera Mansoura branch.
By participating in the #BeatPlasticPollution global campaign, the project links gender equality with climate action.
It also fosters inclusive participation and strengthens community ties among the members of the Filipino diaspora and the host country.
In his message, Philippine ambassador Mardomel Celo D Melicor said: “Plastic pollution causes severe damage to marine ecosystems. As a maritime nation, saying ‘no’ to plastic waste means we’re also saying ‘yes’ to climate action, sustainable living, healthy oceans, thriving ecosystems, and rich biodiversity. Thank you, Al Meera, for this wonderful partnership in inspiring collective action to beat plastic pollution.”
The Philippines recently signed the “Nice Declaration” calling for an ambitious treaty on plastic pollution, which was launched on the second day of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on June 10.