Fifty women in Mariveles found livelihood opportunities through “Waste to Material” program under Project Saysay—an employee-led initiative of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) through GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD).

The initiative transforms discarded plastic materials, including election campaign tarpaulins, into eco-friendly products such as bags, plant pots, faux lamps, and other home décor. Held at the MWMCPC Event Place in Poblacion, the program trained spouses of municipal utility workers and garbage truck drivers.

According to the Bataan Ten-Year Solid Waste Management Plan for 2018–2027, the province generates an estimated 310.6 tons of solid waste per day—a figure projected to rise to 396.6 tons daily by next year. Of the total, recyclables make up 72.6 tons (about 23%), underscoring the need for initiatives like this.

Trainers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) guided participants in transforming tarpaulins and plastic waste into practical household items and creative décor. Meanwhile, the GMEC and GNPD team distributed toolkits—including scissors, glue guns, soldering irons, cutters, spray paint, cable ties, and recyclables—to help all 50 beneficiaries kickstart their ventures.

Project Saysay is GMEC and GNPD’s monthly outreach program, where employee birthday celebrators volunteer their time to give back to the community. The program highlights the company’s commitment to co-creating safe, empowered, and sustainable communities.

The project was made possible through collaboration with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Mariveles, further strengthening the partnership between AboitizPower and the local government unit (LGU) in promoting sustainable practices. Just last month, MENRO also welcomed the team’s support during the Arbor Day tree-planting activity—demonstrating a unified advocacy to build a greener, more sustainable Bataan.

According to Lolita Manrique, one of the beneficiaries, “I used to ignore used tarps and bottles, but now I realize their value. This program gave me a new way to help provide for my family and care for the environment. This is a big help, especially for those without jobs.”

“The training helped participants realize they could repurpose everyday waste at home,” said Sarah Rose Maglaya, one of the TESDA trainers. “One of our biggest challenges was securing the materials. With the kits provided, they started creating right away and even continued at home.”

GMEC and GNPD are private limited partnerships. AboitizPower holds a 78.3% effective partnership interest in GMEC and a 70% effective partnership interest in GNPD.

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