Baguio City: The Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Cordillera has called on candidates from the May 12 elections to explore options for recycling their campaign materials. EMB Regional Director Jean Borromeo emphasized in a recent interview that campaign tarpaulins are recyclable and can be transformed into useful items such as bags, roofing, or even walls.

According to Philippines News Agency, Borromeo expressed her intention to collaborate with women's organizations to promote the recycling and repurposing of campaign materials. She highlighted the creativity of these organizations, suggesting they might discover additional uses for the tarpaulin materials left over from the campaign.

Director Julius Torres of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Cordillera Administrative Region also shared insights on the matter. He reiterated the importance of using environmentally friendly campaign materials, as mandated by law. Torres mentioned that Comelec is awaiting guidance on the disposal of tarpaulins collected during 'Oplan Baklas,' a campaign to remove posters placed in unauthorized areas or those that exceed size restrictions.

Torres stressed the responsibility of candidates to clean up after their campaigns, an obligation often fulfilled by local government units. He acknowledged that garbage collectors typically handle the recycling of tarpaulins and urged candidates to take proactive steps in restoring their areas to their pre-campaign state. He also encouraged them to consider donating used materials to recyclers to prevent them from becoming waste.