One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This holds true for some 300 beneficiary families
who are set to receive food packages as part of the waste management program launched
by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to mark its 50th anniversary.

Dubbed as Xtrash Callenge, the initiative was implemented in partnership with Basic
Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc., (BEST), and aimed to raise funds for urban
poor communities by incentivizing the waste collection efforts of companies. Points were
awarded for every kilo of waste surrendered to collection centers. 

As an affirmation of the Group’s commitment to environmental stewardship, PLDT and its
wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) were able to collect and segregate over
5,400 kilograms of waste. At the conclusion of the challenge, PLDT and Smart were
recognized among the top performers in the NCR-wide challenge participated in by PBSP-
member organizations.

“Managing waste management is essential for building sustainable and livable cities. This
challenge is concrete evidence that behavioral change and private sector participation are
key to a functional waste management approach. We recognize the efforts of our members
and their role as critical and committed actors in this battle against solid waste,” said PBSP
Executive Director Elvin Ivan Uy.

“We are honored and thankful to receive these awards as top participants of PBSP’s
recycling initiative.  I receive them on behalf of the PLDT and Smart employees who
generously participated in the program despite the limitations of COVID,” PLDT and Smart
Corporate Sustainability and Investor Relations Head Melissa V. Vergel De Dios said.

The equivalent environmental points gained by PLDT and Smart were used to purchase food
packs for underserved areas. In partnership with Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng
Pantawid (SNPP), these food packs were distributed to 300 families in waste picker
communities in Imus, Cavite, Makati City and Muntinlupa City.

“It is a testimony to ‘malasakit’ – a value that PLDT and Smart continue to demonstrate over
and over, from the delivery of services to our customers, to commitment to sustainability
projects such as this,” Vergel de Dios added.

This initiative is aligned with the group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG #12: Responsible Consumption and
Production which ensures the sound management of chemicals and wastes to minimize their
adverse impact on human health and the environment.

For over 25 years, PLDT, together with subsidiaries Smart and ePLDT, has been an active
member of the PBSP which is also currently headed by PLDT Chairman Manuel V.
Pangilinan.