WHAT STARTED as trash has transformed into a symbol of empowerment. The first Ati Community Center in Barangay 1, Poblacion, Tigbauan, Iloilo is not only a sturdy shelter for the Ati people — it is also a bold statement on environmental awareness, sustainability, and inclusive development.
Known as the “Plastik na Basura i-Bote” or PBB House, the eco-friendly facility was constructed using plastic waste turned into eco-bricks, locally called Plastik na Basura i-Bote. The project is the brainchild of the Iloilo Provincial Government, through its Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), in partnership with the Tigbauan local government, the St. Therese MTC Colleges, the Zonta Club of Iloilo, Barangay 1 officials, and the Ati community itself.
How it began
The initiative formally took shape on October 25, 2023, when the stakeholders signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the construction of the Ati Community Center using the Trash-in-a-Bottle Project. Under the agreement, St. Therese MTC Colleges provided the eco-bricks, the Zonta Club funded initial construction, Tigbauan local government provided the site and technical support, and Barangay 1 officials coordinated the Ati community and managed the center.
By February 2024, construction began in earnest. The Zonta Club had turned over P84,000 for materials, and the building soon rose from what was once discarded plastic.
Beyond bricks: building awareness and empowerment
Even before its completion, the PBB House began fulfilling its purpose. It serves as a platform for raising awareness on solid waste management and inspiring the local community to adopt sustainable practices.
“This innovative step not only reduces landfill waste but also empowers the Ati community, promoting environmental awareness, sustainability, and inclusive development,” said Mitzi Peñaflorida, senior environmental management specialist at PGENRO.
Solid waste management has long been a challenge for Tigbauan. In 2023, the municipality collected nearly 1,900 kilograms of plastic waste per month, totaling 22,870 kilograms for the year. Of this, almost 6,000 kilograms were classified as residuals with potential for reuse. With the PBB House initiative, at least 5,000 kilograms of plastic were diverted from landfills and transformed into eco-bricks for construction. Approximately 3,000 1.5-liter plastic bottles, each containing 500 to 600 grams of waste, became part of the community center’s walls.
By 2024, residual waste collection dropped to 16,009 kilograms, with 6,861 kilograms redirected to productive uses. These statistics reflect the tangible environmental impact of the project, alongside its social significance.
Empowering the Ati community
The PBB House is more than an eco-friendly structure. It represents the Tigbauan local government’s long-term goal to ensure the Ati people live with dignity and security. As the first infrastructure in Tigbauan’s People’s Settlement Area built for indigenous peoples, the center provides a respectful space for community gatherings and cultural activities, as mandated by Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 2022-049.
According to Punong Barangay Lorna Domingo, the project has served as an eye-opener for residents.
“The PBB House has increased awareness on garbage management and single-use plastics,” she said, noting that the barangay council is committed to supporting the Ati community in maintaining and improving the facility.
Rebecca Ilocendo, chieftain of the Ati community, emphasized that the center also fosters social inclusion.
“With the continuous support of the local government unit, discrimination against our people, especially our children, has been significantly reduced,” she said.
Hands-on learning for sustainability
Students and faculty members from partner institutions actively participated by collecting plastic waste and converting it into eco-bricks. Their involvement has cultivated a culture of environmental stewardship among the youth, highlighting the role of education in sustainability.
“Kudos to the Municipality of Tigbauan, through MENRO, for the Plastik na Basura i-Bote (PBB HOUSE) — turning plastic waste into opportunity while empowering the Ati community and promoting zero-waste practices,” Peñaflorida added.
The PBB House stands as a legacy of innovation and community collaboration—a reminder that sustainable development and social empowerment can rise from even the most unlikely resources./PN
