Eko Kolek, an OCEAN-funded project led by Project Zaccheus Marketing Cooperative, is driving circular economy action across the Philippines and neighbouring counties. The project is working to introduce environmental education and waste management practices in local prison facilities as part of a new partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Eko Kolek works across the whole community to reduce plastic pollution, protect the marine environment and create local livelihoods. As part of this, it is working with the Philippines’ Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to introduce environmental education and waste management practices to the local prison facilities. These activities give persons deprived of liberty the chance to build practical skills that support their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
To formally mark the start of the partnership on 13 July 2026, 45 Persons Deprived of Liberty ¹ (PDLs) took part in a circular economy roadshow at the Puerto Princesa City Jail. A total of 58 participants attended, including 45 PDLs, eight BJMP personnel, and five PZC-Eco Kolek staff.
Ms. Grace Roa from Project Zaccheus opened the learning sessions with an introduction to the organisation and its community programmes, sharing how Eko Kolek supports informal waste collectors through training in proper waste segregation and livelihood opportunities in its pilot community in Barangay Sicsican.
Mr. Ivan Jay Asturias from Project Zaccheus then followed with a discussion on the origins of plastic, its impact on the environment, and the importance of proper waste segregation. He walked participants through the four classifications of waste – biodegradable, recyclable, residual, and special waste. Participants then took part in a hands-on waste sorting activity, dividing into two groups to classify various materials into their correct categories. The exercise allowed them to apply what they had learned in an interactive setting.
PDLs take part in a waste management activity. Image credit: Project Zaccheus
Project Zaccheus’ Community Engagement Supervisor Ms. Joycee Oliverio led the final learning session, explaining the principles of the circular economy. She emphasised that not all waste is destined for the landfill, and that many materials can be reused, recycled, or transformed into new products that reduce environmental harm.
Following the sessions, Eco Kolek distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and hygiene kits to all participating PDLs. BJMP officers presented Certificates of Recognition to the Eco Kolek team in appreciation of their contribution, and the Eco Kolek team in turn presented tokens of appreciation to the BJMP officers for their support and partnership.
The Eko Kolek team with BJMP officers during the circular economy roadshow. Image credit: Project Zaccheus
Senior Jail Officer Jennifer W. Felizarte delivered the closing remarks, thanking the Eco Kolek team and encouraging the PDLs to apply their new knowledge in their daily activities. Representatives from both the male and female dormitories also shared messages of thanks.
The activity introduced the Eco Kolek programme to the PDLs, strengthened their understanding of proper waste segregation and environmental protection, and reinforced the growing partnership between Eco Kolek and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
This is an excerpt from a blog originally written by Mitchell Gimena on the Project Zaccheus website here.
Visit the Eko Kolek project page to learn more about this transformative work.
¹ Persons Deprived of Liberty is the official term used by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the Philippines to refer to people in its custody.
