EDC VP Gina Pascual (lower left) and AFI managing director Berta Lopez-Feliciano (upper left) lead the signing ceremonies for EDC’s commitment to continue donating its used batteries and oilsEnergy Development Corporation (EDC) marked its 11- year partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) through a virtual memorandum of agreement signing ceremony in support of the latter’s Bantay Baterya and Bantay Langis projects.

These projects reprocess used oils and junk lead-acid batteries in collaboration with Genetron International Marketing and Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC).

Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, AFI managing director, thanked EDC and their other partners for championing proper waste management in their respective industries.

“Our partnership started 11 years ago, and it continues on today with donations of used batteries and oils from the various EDC sites in Sorsogon, Leyte, Negros and North Cotabato. It really gives me great pleasure to know that we are reusing and repurposing,” Lopez-Feliciano said.

Under these projects, the donated hazardous wastes, which otherwise end up in the ground, in streams or even in the air, are being recycled through Evergreen Environment Resources. These are used as raw materials in manufacturing new batteries.

Donors receive a certificate of treatment that is recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesEnvironmental Management Bureau. OMMC determines the monetary value of the donation, with the funds raised going to AFI’s aid programs and green projects.

EDC vice president and head of corporate support functions Gina Pascual praised AFI for helping donor companies like them protect and conserve Earth.

“Through our partnerships with accredited recycling organizations, we not only minimize our waste but we also ensure that they get recycled or repurposed properly. Through the efforts of AFI’s Bantay Baterya, Bantay Langis and Bantay Kalikasan, our waste actually goes to projects and endeavors that help the environment and other people,” she stated.

Whenever applicable, EDC adopts a circular economy approach to minimize using nonrenewable resources as part of its commitment to building a regenerative future.

“We’re contributing to a foundation that aligns with our company values and our decarbonization and regenerative mission. This is truly a win-win solution,” EDC air and waste specialist Paulo Gooco said during the virtual event.

To date, five million kilos of used lead batteries have been collected and recycled by AFI and its partners. (Story/Photos by: Frances Ariola)