The Blastik Project is a community-driven, full-circle plastic recycling initiative based in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, Philippines. It empowers local farmers and residents to transform single-use plastic waste into valuable products, creating both environmental and economic benefits for the community.
Launched by the PeacePond Farmers Association, the initiative was established in response to the growing threat of plastic pollution, which continues to affect soil fertility, waterways, and marine ecosystems, particularly in the Philippines. Instead of viewing discarded plastics as waste, the Blastik Project recognizes them as a valuable resource that can be repurposed into useful products and sustainable livelihoods.
At the heart of the project is a practical training program led by PeacePond founders, husband-and-wife team Jesus Antonio (Jet) Orbida and Checcs Osmeña-Orbida. Participants are trained as “Eco Rangers,” learning how to properly collect, clean, sort and process various types of plastic waste, including PET bottles, bottle caps, sachets and beverage labels.
These recovered materials are then transformed into a wide range of products such as wall tiles, tabletops, chairs, garden pathways, home décor, and other functional items. The project provides participants with practical skills that can generate additional income while helping reduce plastic pollution in their communities.
Women in the community have also benefited from specialized training in upcycling soft drink labels into attractive and durable handcrafted products, including wallets, pouches, face mask cases, clutches and laptop sleeves. These products not only demonstrate creativity and craftsmanship but also provide meaningful livelihood opportunities.
The San Columbano Retreat & Mission Center was once a partner of the Blastik Project. During the administration of the late Fr. Brian Gore, empty plastic soft drink bottles consumed by retreat participants were regularly collected and delivered to Blastik for recycling. This collaboration benefited both organizations by diverting plastic waste from landfills while supporting the project’s livelihood initiatives.
The Balo ni San Columbano, a group of widows organized by Father Brian, benefitted from this collaborative work. The women carefully removed and cleaned the labels from the plastic bottles, which were then transformed into wallets and other handcrafted products through their collaboration with the Blastik Project. Their work provided an additional source of income while promoting environmental stewardship.
Over time, however, deliveries of plastic bottles to the Blastik Project gradually ceased as Fr. Brian’s health declined. Without regular transport, empty bottles began to accumulate at the Retreat Center.
Following the passing of Fr. Brian Gore in April 2025, three Columban lay missionaries were assigned to continue the ministry and management of the San Columbano Retreat & Mission Center. Guided by one of the Columban Missionaries’ two mission priorities, the protection and restoration of biodiversity, the Retreat Center adopted more sustainable practices. It discontinued serving soft drinks during retreats and actively promotes a “no single-use plastic” policy, encouraging participants to embrace environmentally responsible alternatives and a healthier lifestyle.
Although this marked the end of the collaboration with the Blastik Project, both initiatives continue to share a common vision, that being to protect the environment, reduce plastic waste and inspire communities to adopt more sustainable ways of living.
For the Columban Missionaries, caring for creation is not an optional extra but an essential part of our missionary vocation. Inspired by the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, we work alongside communities around the world to protect biodiversity, reduce pollution, restore damaged ecosystems and promote sustainable ways of living that respect both people and the planet.
From supporting communities affected by environmental degradation in the Philippines to encouraging practical action through environmental education, advocacy and projects across Britain, Ireland and our mission regions, Columbans seek to respond to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor together. Initiatives such as the Blastik Project demonstrate how local communities can transform environmental challenges into opportunities that restore creation, strengthen livelihoods and build hope for future generations.
As we mark Plastic Free July this month, projects like this remind us that even small actions, reducing single-use plastics, recycling responsibly and choosing more sustainable alternatives, can become powerful acts of care for our common home when communities work together.
