Coca-Cola Philippines and Bacolod City Drive PET Bottle Collection and Segregation at MassKara Festival
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, 7 November 2024 – At the heart of Bacolod City’s vibrant MassKara Festival, Coca-Cola Philippines joined forces with the Bacolod City Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) to champion responsible waste management. This year, Coca-Cola, along with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. and the festival organizer Yuhum Foundation, led a major campaign focused on the segregation and collection of PET plastic bottles, encouraging festival-goers to contribute to environmental efforts while enjoying the 45th edition of this iconic event.
Making Bottle Collection Fun and Engaging
To raise awareness and participation, Coca-Cola Philippines set up dedicated bottle collection points at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC). Festival attendees were invited to drop off their empty PET bottles at Coca-Cola’s bottle counter and The Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) exchange booths. By handing in their used bottles, participants not only contributed to the cleanup but also got to engage in games, contests, and interactive activities.
Spotlighting Creative Recycling Through Mask-Making Contest
One of the festival’s main attractions was the MassKara mask-making contest, where festival-goers voted for their favorite recycled mask using bottle caps. This creative challenge saw masks crafted from recycled materials, turning waste into art. The Artisticrew team emerged as the grand winner, while Bacolod City College and the Negrese Artist Circle received consolation prizes for their impressive contributions.
Gamifying Recycling with “Dunk, Not Junk”
In an effort to keep recycling lively and enjoyable, Coca-Cola organized a shooting hoops game called “Dunk, Not Junk.” Here, participants tested their basketball skills, aiming to “dunk” PET bottles into designated bins. Successful shots won players Coca-Cola merchandise and prizes, making recycling a thrilling experience.
“Tapon to Ipon” Returns to MassKara Festival
Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) also brought back its flagship collection program, “Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo!” for the second consecutive year at the festival. Through this initiative, attendees were encouraged to drop off used clear PET bottles of any brand at a pop-up collection booth. In exchange, they received points redeemable for various rewards, making recycling accessible and rewarding for everyone.
A Collective Success Through Community Engagement
At the festival’s closing program held in Bacolod City, Ruby Biro, Senior Franchise Operations Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines, congratulated all the partners, local barangays, and community members for their contributions to the campaign’s success. “Through community involvement and partnership, we can celebrate in ways that also leave a positive impact on our environment,” Biro remarked. Her presence underscored Coca-Cola’s commitment to fostering eco-friendly practices and community engagement at the MassKara Festival.
The MassKara Festival PET bottle collection and segregation drive is a powerful reminder that festivals can be both joyous and eco-friendly. By combining local partnerships, creative activities, and rewarding incentives, Coca-Cola Philippines and Bacolod City showed how collective action can make a lasting impact.