By John Maico M. Hernandez
STILL gearing towards establishment of livelihood opportunities for the disaster-stricken Municipalities in Batangas province, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas conducted another “Technology Training on Shredded Plastic Product Applications” for members of Molinete Ecobricks and Blocks Producers Association (MEBPA) in Laurel, Batangas held at Municipal Session Hall of Laurel, Batangas, April 20.
Engr. Amir P. Ambagan, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of LGU-Mendez, Cavite, facilitated the technology training. Engr. Ambagan shared the journey of LGU-Mendez on running their Material Recovery Facility’s Ecological Park and their commitment to continuously uphold technological applications of wastes into profitable products. Specifically, he presented their product applications from shredded plastics highlighting the ecological benefits and business potentials of this venture. Among the product applications he mentioned have good market potentials is pillow making. Hence, the training focused on the production of pillows from shredded plastics.
During the actual demonstration, bean bags were designed and filled with shredded plastics then sewed to seal and were inserted in pillow cases. Product standardization in terms of weight, appearance, and safety including the steps to ensure that the products would not produce foul odor since these are made up of plastic wastes were likewise laid out.
Ms. Maribel Natanauan, President of MEBPA, expressed her appreciation to DOST, Engr. Ambagan, and LGU-Laurel for the continuous support and technical assistance they receive in relation to the goal of establishing a livelihood for their members. Hon. Protacio Reyes, Brgy. Captain of Molinete, Laurel, Batangas, also conveyed his appreciation to the partner agencies for providing such training that would surely help reduce plastic wastes and at the same time can give potential business to his constituents.
The activity is part of the DOST-CALABARZON project entitled “Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) for Disaster-Stricken Areas in Batangas Province”.
