SyCipLaw demonstrated its continuing commitment to sustainability through its lineup of “Green Initiatives” this year.
From Trash to Provisions for a Local Public High School
The Firm recently turned-over various eco-friendly items, including trash cans, three-seater benches, monobloc chairs, school supplies, bento boxes, and water bottles, to Raja Soliman Science and Technology High School, a public institution located in an underprivileged barangay in Manila. SyCipLaw purchased these items using “environmental points” that the Firm, together with the SyCipLaw Condominium Corporation, earned from the “Trash-to-Cashback” program. This program facilitated bi-monthly collection of recyclable materials in exchange for “environmental points” in partnership with Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and BEEPXTRA Philippines, Inc. (bXTRA).
From January 2022 to July 2023, the Firm and the Condominium Corporation accumulated a total of 44,980.17 environmental points through the program.
The ceremonial turnover of donations occurred a week before the opening of classes in Manila. Present during the event were SyCipLaw Managing Partner and Condo Corp President Hector M. de Leon, Jr., CSR Committee Head and Condo Corp Board Member Jose Florante M. Pamfilo, CSR Committee member Joanna Marie O. Joson, BEST Senior Vice President Dwight Ramos, and bXTRA Managing Director Jan Vincent Mercado.
“There is cash in trash,” said Mr. Pamfilo. “We did not spend on the items we are donating today; they are a product of a conscious effort to segregate waste and recycle. Through waste segregation and recycling, we not only declutter our workplace but also ensure that waste is turned into practical items that reduce landfill burden. In addition, we were able to respond to a local school’s need for provisions, and to relay the message of environmental responsibility to a community of students,” he added.
During the turn-over ceremony, Mr. Mercado spoke about environmental stewardship for the youth, while Atty. Ramos made a presentation on circular economy. Around 200 junior and high school students attended the event.
Launching of E-Waste and Book Collection Drives
The Firm launched its third annual e-waste collection drive on June 14, followed by a book collection drive on June 20. These drives will run until December 2024, offering SyCipLaw employees and tenants of the SyCipLaw Center the opportunity to support the Firm’s sustainability efforts. Contributions can be dropped off at the designated “Green Corner” on the 8th Floor of the SyCipLaw Center, which was established last month.
Collected e-waste will be traded to local junk shops through Barangay San Lorenzo to ensure that discarded electronic devices are reused, recycled, and disposed of responsibly.
The Green Corner serves as a welcoming spot where employees, tenants, and visitors can donate gently used books for a local free-for-all library located in an underprivileged area in Makati City. This library is frequented by street children, public school students, out-of-school learners, and home-based individuals.