THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday turned over to an environmental watchdog group the illegal campaign materials it hauled during its “Oplan Baklas” operations.
MMDA general manager Corazon Jimenez and Metro Parkway Clearing Group head Francis Martinez gave the group more than 250 pieces of tarpaulins hauled from foot bridges, lamp posts, cable wires and trees following the launch of the “Operation Baklas” on February 9.
“The seized campaign materials are valuable resources that should be put to good use,”
said Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste Coalition coordinator.
For instance, she said tarpaulins can be made into coin purses, pouch bags, grocery bags and beach bags.
Tarpaulins can also be sewn into mail and shoe organizers, workers’ aprons, tool belts, laundry baskets and even as receptacles for office or household recyclables.
Lucero said EcoWaste Coalition will collaborate with community-based organizations in making prototypes that can inspire others to reuse and recycle election campaign tarpaulins. The EcoWaste Coalition has been working with the government to promote “Basura-Free Elections.”
“It will be such a huge waste if these illegal election paraphernalia are buried in landfills. We can and we should find appropriate uses for them,” Lucero said.