L-R: Johnkarl Manimbo – APC Sustainability Specialist, Japhet Bulingit - Corporate Sustainability Associate (BEST), Jonalyn Peñas - Business Development Officer (BEST), Andrea Villaroman - Head of QC CCESD, Ernie Carlos – APC Chief Sustainability Officer, Engr. Ceidge Razon - Corporate Sustainability Manager (BEST), Claire Vinarao - Chief, Adaptation Division (CCESD), Maribel Marquez - Acting Chief, Resource Efficiency Section (CCESD) and Kirstoff Buyoc – APC Sustainability Executive.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), together with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) and the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (QC CCESD), is proud to celebrate the six-month progress of the SariCycle® Program. This groundbreaking initiative has garnered over 600 active participants and has successfully collected more than 4,000 kilograms of single-use plastics (SUPs) since its launch in January 2024.

SariCycle® is a joint effort in the field of waste management and sustainability. The program was established to mitigate the increasing problem of plastic waste, focusing on collecting and recycling single-use plastic in smaller communities. This began in selected locations within Quezon City where there are large numbers of sari-sari stores. The participants, known as "SariCyclers," are incentivized with special product bundles from Ajinomoto Philippines. They are also given Environmental Points (EPs) that can be used as cash at participating vendors.

Among the participants are key members of Quezon City’s livelihood programs, including beneficiaries of the “Tindahan ni Mayor Joy” initiative and persons with disabilities (PWD) beneficiaries. The collective effort of these SariCyclers has resulted in significant strides in promoting environmental responsibility and awareness.

During the six-month evaluation meeting held at the QC CCESD office, representatives from APC, BEST, and QC CCESD, headed by Ms. Andrea Villaroman, were all in attendance to share and update the program’s current achievements and the challenges ahead. APC’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Ernie Carlos, shared how grateful APC is to the community for their unwavering support and emphasized the importance of the collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“The SariCycle® Program is testament to the positive and impactful effects we can achieve for the good of our environment when we all work towards a more sustainable future. Indeed, we take inspiration from the communities in Quezon City and our partners at BEST, when it comes to being stewards of the environment,” Carlos said.

To acknowledge the company’s role in this environmental effort, Ajinomoto Philippines was honored at BEST’s 25th Anniversary celebration on September 16, 2024, at Crowne Plaza Manila. BEST, a key player in solid waste management in the Philippines, shared how proud they are to have worked with APC, and its dedication to environmental sustainability and awarded the company a plaque of appreciation for its active role in the SariCycle® Program. APC’s Sustainability Executive, Kirstoff Buyoc, accepted the award for Ajinomoto Philippines. He also served as co-presenter for the recognition given to the top-performing SariCyclers during the event.

Also in attendance at the anniversary celebration were key leaders in the Circular Economy movement, including Senator Cynthia Villar, the principal author of the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Law. This event highlighted the importance of the collaboration of the public and private sectors in winning sustainability initiatives and making things happen for the sake of the environment.

Ajinomoto Philippines remains committed to promoting responsible consumption and environmental stewardship through its ongoing initiatives. APC will continue to lead their projects with a positive outlook, looking forward to expanding the SariCycle® Program. To work closely with their partners to build a more sustainable future for all, true to their commitment in advocating the “Eat Well, Live Well” lifestyle.