Every Bottle Tells a Story: How a Shared Love for Coca-Cola Built a Community Across Generations

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Across the Philippines, independent communities of Coca-Cola collectors continue to connect through shared memorabilia, stories, and friendships built over time. These groups—formed organically by enthusiasts—reflect a broader culture of collecting that brings together people from different backgrounds through a common appreciation for the brand.

Among these communities is the Coca-Cola Collectors Club Philippines, one of several independent collector groups in the country. It has brought together collectors and enthusiasts who share an interest in Coca-Cola memorabilia since 2015.

What began as a space for enthusiasts has grown into a multi-generational network built on shared stories, friendships, and a lasting connection through collecting Coca-Cola items. On June 20, 2026, members gathered to mark the group’s 11th anniversary and celebrate the people who continue to shape their community.

Collectors from across the Philippines celebrate the club’s 11th anniversary with Coca-Cola Philippines Senior Director for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Maria Christine Ponce-Garcia | Photo Credit to Sany Chua.

From hobby to community

Founded by collector Jay-Ar Mendoza, the club draws members from different backgrounds and age groups—from Gen Z hobbyists to long-time enthusiasts. Like many collector communities, members trade, exchange, and showcase Coca-Cola memorabilia while organizing meetups, anniversary gatherings, and exhibits. Over the years, many have also connected with fellow collectors overseas, expanding friendships beyond the Philippines.

Edward Secerio shares a glimpse of his personal Coca-Cola collection, featuring memorabilia that highlights the brand's enduring presence across generations.

Today, the club is led by President Edward Secerio, a member since its early days. His journey began with a single Coca-Cola alarm clock, which he picked up after closing his computer shop and looking for a new hobby. What started as a simple interest grew into a long-term passion, driven by the excitement of discovering pieces he did not yet own.

“More than anything, I want to see the club long after my time. Of course, I’ll guide it as long as I can, but what matters is that the community we’ve built remains strong and relevant. My goal is simple, it is to help shape a community that can grow and still be here for a long time, just like Coca-Cola itself,” Edward shared.

A connection beyond collecting

For some members, the connection to Coca-Cola is both professional and personal. Norman Lontoc, also a member of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club since 2015, first encountered the brand in his career as a Materials and Control Planning Analyst at Coca-Cola from 1992 to 1998. His exposure to promotional items, including miniature bottles, sparked his interest in collecting in the mid-1990s.

Over time, this interest deepened into an appreciation for Coca-Cola’s art and design—something shared by many collectors, including artists and creatives drawn to the brand’s visual identity.

For Norman, each collectible carries a story. “Every bottle has a story,” he said, reflecting on the memories tied to each piece he has acquired over the years.

Members of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club Philippines participate in international collector gatherings, including the Hong Kong Coke Fair 2024 and Singapore Coke Fair 2015, connecting with fellow Coca-Cola enthusiasts from around the world.

On what the club means to him after more than a decade, he added: “It means a lot, because this is where you meet new people and bring them into something shared. You build friendships, then you become part of a community grounded in a common interest. You start to value these kinds of connections and the memories you make with it more as you grow older.”

Connecting generations through collecting

Tatay Dong and Nanay Tess, among the club's pioneer members, share their vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia with fellow and enthusiasts.

One of the things that makes collecting unique is how it connects generations. Across different communities, longtime collectors share stories and experiences alongside younger enthusiasts who are discovering the hobby for themselves.

Within the Coca-Cola Collectors Club Philippines, pioneer members Tatay Dong and Nanay Tess have turned collecting into a shared family activity, even involving their youngest daughter in fairs and exhibits. Their collection includes vintage Coca-Cola items dating back to the 1940s, which they regularly showcase in mall displays and collector events.

The club welcomes its newest members during the Coca-Cola Collectors Club Philippines' 11th anniversary celebration.

Ms. Angie, now 77 years old, represents another layer of the collecting community. Although she only recently joined the club, her collecting journey began in the 1970s. She has welcomed fellow collectors into her home to view her collection—a practice common across collector circles, where enthusiasts visit one another, exchange items, and learn from shared experiences.

At the same time, a new generation is finding its place in the community. Among them is Papi Louie, a toy collector and content creator who documents his collecting journey online. Like many younger collectors today, Louie first entered the hobby through “anik-anik” culture and online collector communities before expanding into Coca-Cola memorabilia.

“As a new member, I'm excited to learn more about Coca-Cola memorabilia, discover new pieces, and build friendships with fellow collectors. As a content creator, I'm also looking forward to sharing these experiences with a wider audience and hopefully inspiring more people to appreciate the stories, history, and community behind collecting,” Louie shared.

A shared culture of collecting

The Coca-Cola Collectors Club 11th anniversary was a celebration of the broader collecting culture—where enthusiasts come together to celebrate a shared interest and the connections that come with it. Representatives from Coca-Cola Philippines also attended the event as guests, including Sr. Director of Public Affairs, Sustainability & Communications Christine Ponce-Garcia, who met with attendees and recognized the passion shared across the collecting community.

"It's meaningful to see how collecting continues to bring people together across generations. Behind every bottle, every collection are personal stories, friendships and memories that reflect the many ways Coca-Cola has been present of their everyday life over time," said Ponce-Garcia.

Across the country, independent Coca-Cola collector communities continue to bring together people from different walks of life. More than collections of items, they reflect how shared interests can create meaningful connections—linking generations through stories, experiences, and a collective appreciation that continues to evolve over time.

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines and its community, visit www.coca-cola.com/ph/en.

The Coca-Cola Collectors Club Philippines is an independent fan community. It is not owned, operated, or officially endorsed by Coca-Cola Philippines.

Bacolod Goes Lift Mode: Coca-Cola PH Introduces New Beverage Lift with Epic Unveiling

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Bacolod City, Philippines– Coca-Cola Philippines has launched Lift, its newest invigorating drink powered with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine to energize today's generation of go-getters. With its vibrant citrus taste and empowering call to Go Lift Mode, the new drink, now available in Western Visayas, is designed to inspire consumers to break from routine and embrace life with boldness.

Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony Del Rosario, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Unit Director Gus Gatuslao, and Lift ambassador Ruru Madrid lead the high-energy launch of Lift in Bacolod.

To celebrate the launch, Coca-Cola Philippines held a high-energy event “UNDO THE USUAL, LIFT MODE NA ‘YAN: Epic Unveiling” at the Bacolod City New Government Center (NGC) on August 9, 2025. The celebration marked Lift’s arrival and kicked off the brand’s mission to energize communities across Western Visayas.

As Coca-Cola Philippines continues its mission to Refresh the World and Make a Difference, Lift serves as a vibrant call to action for consumers to break from routine and embrace their boldest, most energized selves. The brand invites everyone to Go Lift Mode and show up with confidence and choose to stand out.

The launch campaign built momentum across Bacolod with branded Lift crates placed in iconic locations like Bacolod Plaza and CityMall Parola in Iloilo. These teasers sparked curiosity and conversation, setting the stage for the Lift Recorida Caravan from August 7 to 9. The caravan energized key spots in Bacolod and Iloilo with on-ground sampling, street performances, and social media buzz — culminating in the dramatic crate delivery to the NGC for the main event.

Attendees went on full “Lift mode” by joining high-energy challenges and exploring interactive booths for a chance to win exclusive prizes

At the heart of the launch was the Epic Unboxing, where the crowd witnessed the reveal of the new Lift. Thousands gathered for an afternoon of bold flavors and immersive experiences. The venue featured live performances and Lift-themed booths such as the Lift Bar, a Crate Maze, and an interactive Trick Art Wall. These installations encouraged attendees to explore, taste, and share their Lift experience online.

Ruru Madrid, Lift’s official ambassador, brought energy and excitement to the event, as he celebrated with fans and joined the launch festivities.

The brand’s official endorser Ruru Madrid made a special appearance to meet fans and followers of the Lift Philippines Facebook page, energizing the crowd and bringing the brand’s bold and vibrant spirit to life throughout the event.

The event drew in thousands of active consumers across Bacolod and nearby provinces, signaling a strong return for the brand. The excitement extended to the online space, with high engagement on social media and conversations about Lift’s invigorating flavor and feel.

"We’re thrilled by the energy and excitement from Bacolod and the entire Western Visayas,” said Tony Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines. “ The new Lift we’re introducing today offers that great taste — and more. It’s a bold, citrus-flavored drink charged with Vitamin B3, Zinc, and Caffeine, made for today’s youth who switch between multiple modes in a day. It carries a powerful message that dares you to switch — to choose something different, break the routine, and power through with confidence.”

The crowd came together to mark the launch, savoring its bold and energizing taste.

Consumers across Western Visayas can now grab Lift in sari-sari stores and partner retailers. More regional rollouts, pop-ups, and promotions are on the horizon as Lift continues to spread its bold message: Undo the Usual. Go Lift Mode.

To learn more about Lift and upcoming events, visit the official Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/people/Lift-Philippines/61578806605159/ .

Coca-Cola opens new beverage kiosks at LRT stations

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New Coca-Cola Refresh Stations open in Baclaran, EDSA, Blumentritt, Fernando Poe Jr., and Balintawak stations along LRT Line 1, ready to serve thousands of commuters daily.

Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) is making every day commutes more refreshing with the launch of new Coca-Cola Refresh Stations in Baclaran, EDSA, Blumentritt, Fernando Poe Jr., and Balintawak stations along LRT Line 1, bringing ice-cold Coca-Cola beverages to key transit hubs.

The new LRT-1 Coca-Cola Refresh Stations offer commuters a wide range of iconic beverages—including Coca-Cola, Royal, Sprite, Wilkins, Minute Maid, Fuze Tea, and Nutriboost—and provide a convenient way to grab a quick refreshment during long rides and rush-hour commutes.

“We have always been committed to refreshing Filipinos with our beverages, ensuring our products are accessible wherever they may be. At CCEAP, we innovate with our consumers in mind, adapting to their diverse needs to make everyday life more enjoyable. By expanding across major travel hubs and high-traffic areas, we’re able to deliver refreshing moments to more people every day,” says CCEAP Commercial Vice President Chris Pesigan.

Since its launch in 2023, the Coca-Cola Refresh Station has aimed to expand in more areas, serving Filipinos anytime, anywhere with ice-cold beverages offered at suggested retail prices (SRP).

Beyond providing refreshment, the program also supports local employment through meaningful partnerships with its network of micro-retailers who help manage and maintain the kiosks.

“Our Refresh Station partners play a key role in bringing Coca-Cola closer to busy commuters. As we open in more areas, we remain committed to creating livelihood opportunities for our trade partners who share our mission to refresh Filipinos from all walks of life,” adds General Trade Director Benjie Caberto.

As Coca-Cola Refresh Stations continue to open across the country, more Filipinos can now enjoy cooler, more refreshing journeys. Whether you’re heading out or heading home, you can quench your thirst with your favorite Coca-Cola beverages.

Visit a Refresh Station near you today, and Grab, Refresh, and Go!

Brighten Your Ka-panda’s Night with #BetterWithCoke McDonald’s Meals on foodpanda and Spread Kindness Today!

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Online food and grocery delivery platform foodpanda partners with Coca-Cola Philippines and McDonald’s Philippines to share Christmas cheer through Spread Kindness Today, a way of giving back to Ka-panda delivery partners. These dedicated stars are out there during the busy holiday season, working late nights to bring us our cravings—and a little holiday magic—when we need it most. 

This season, let’s show them some love by treating them to a Coca-Cola Zero Sugar with every late-night order. It’s a small gesture, but one that can brighten their night and remind them that their hard work and kindness are truly appreciated.

Making the Holidays Brighter for Ka-panda Delivery Partners

Ka-panda delivery partners are the unsung heroes of the season, making sure you can enjoy your favorite meals even during the busiest time of year. They work hard, especially late at night, to keep the magic of convenience alive. 

From November 28 to December 28, 2024, your assigned delivery partner will receive a FREE Coca-Cola Zero Sugar when you order a #BetterWithCoke McDonald’s meal between 9 PM to 1 AM on foodpanda, — a small yet meaningful gesture to make their day a little brighter. Choose from these crowd favorites:

• Crispy Chicken Sandwich w/ Fries
• Burger McDo w/ Fries
• 1-pc. Chicken McDo
• 6-pc. Chicken McNuggets w/ Fries
• Crispy Chicken Fillet Ala King

Each meal, that pairs perfectly with Coke, is a chance to share a moment of kindness with the Ka-panda community and show appreciation for their dedication to delivering your favorite meals, especially during the holiday hustle and bustle. 

So, this Christmas season, make your late-night cravings count. Order a McDonald’s meal on foodpanda, share a Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and spread the love and spirit of joy. Together, let’s make this season one to remember for the Ka-panda community and everyone they serve.

For more information about foodpanda and the incredible offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph. Also like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Youtube.

Coca-Cola Philippines and Bacolod City promote bottle collection and segregation at Masskara Festival

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NEGROS OCCIDENTAL  - Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with the Bacolod City Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), promoted PET plastic bottle segregation and collection at the 45th Masskara Festival, held from October 11-27, 2024, in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Together with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. and festival organizer Yuhum Foundation, the beverage company engaged festival-goers in responsible waste management practices by facilitating the segregation and collection of used PET bottles.

To raise awareness about bottle collection and segregation, Coca-Cola Philippines encouraged festival attendees to drop off their empty PET bottles at the Coca-Cola bottle counter and The Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) exchange booths located at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC). Attendees also exchanged empty bottles to participate in various games and activities.

One of the highlights was the MassKara mask-making contest, where festival-goers cast their votes for the Best Recycled Mask on display using bottle caps. Artisticrew was named the grand winner, while Bacolod City College and the Negrese Artist Circle received consolation prizes for their participation.

Additionally, attendees took part in the "Dunk, Not Junk" shooting hoops game. As they showcased their shooting skills, players had the chance to win a variety of Coca-Cola merchandise and other exciting prizes.

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. 's (CCBPI) flagship nationwide collection program, “Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo!” featured a pop-up collection booth. In its second year at the MassKara Festival, Tapon to Ipon encouraged attendees to drop off used clear PET plastic bottles of any brand, allowing them to win prizes.

Ruby Biro, Senior Franchise Operations Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines, congratulated all the partners and local barangays that contributed to the success of the waste management initiative during the festival's closing program. She emphasized the importance of community engagement and the role of festival-goers in celebrating while making a positive impact on the environment.

Brgy. Molobolo’s path to clean water: A community-managed initiative against scarcity

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Water collection was both a household concern and a shared community responsibility in Brgy. Molobolo in the Municipality of Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Parents and children needed to walk thirty minutes and wait at least two hours to fill their water containers from a water source in their barangay, which would not always cover all their daily water needs.

This water issue forced residents to conserve water whenever possible, but even that was not always sufficient. Water was a daily struggle, and each night, they went to bed hoping they could find enough for the next day.

This was the reality for Brgy. Molobolo residents until 2021, when the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) implemented a clean water access project with a financial grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF).

Residents of Brgy. Molobolo, together with representatives of the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), stand in front of the Agos Water Tank

How water started flowing in Brgy. Molobolo

For Brgy. Molobolo, AIDFI used a gravity-fed water system to bring water closer to residents. The project connected a pipeline from the elevated water source, allowing the water to flow down to shared tapstands within the community and helping eliminate the need for a half-hour walk and two-hour wait at the stream. Additionally, water filters are provided to households to block debris and prevent bacteria from passing through.

Access to water has brought comfort to the residents. No longer burdened by the physically demanding task of water collection, they can enjoy the safety and security of having water at their doorstep.

The availability of safe water has also positively impacted community programs, including feeding programs that improve residents' health and nutrition. Convenient access to safe water reduces the health risks associated with collecting and consuming water from distant and potentially contaminated sources. This improvement in water accessibility has enhanced their quality of life and fostered a sense of community well-being and progress.

“Ngayon, sa bahay na lang kami naghihintay. May schedule pero sufficient talaga yung tubig. Hindi na kami mahirapan na [pumila] at pumunta sa malayo para mag-igib [ng tubig],” Myren Edoria, a resident of Brgy. Molobolo, said. (Now, we only wait in our home. There is a schedule, but this time the supply of water is sufficient. We don’t need to fall in line and go to faraway places just to collect water.)

From project beneficiaries to water stewards

The barangay captain of Brgy. Molobolo has advocated for their community to gain access to safe water. His dedication to securing water access and security for the community led him to apply for the Agos Project with TCCF and AIDFI in the first place. This initiative, aligning with the community's urgent need for clean water, garnered immediate and enthusiastic support from the residents.

Inspired by their barangay captain's leadership, the residents have transformed that passion into proactive stewardship, taking responsibility for protecting and managing their water resources to ensure the sustainability of the project's benefits for future generations.

Brgy. Molobolo residents with representatives of the AIDFI and TCCF at the successful handover 

of the Agos Project

They formed an association and created a schedule system for everyone in the barangay to access clean water. They also coordinate with local partners to test and ensure the water's safety. To secure their water source, they implement policies protecting it from potential threats.

Clean and safe water for future generations

As the primary philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation aims to support local and global changemakers leaving a measurable and lasting impact in areas around the world by investing in transformative ideas and institutions that address some of the most pressing global challenges.

For more information on the initiatives of The Coca-Cola Foundation, visit the company’s social media channels and its website

Coca-Cola Philippines continues efforts to meet World Without Waste goals

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Coca-Cola Philippines continues to make progress on its ambitious sustainable packaging program, World Without Waste, with significant milestones.

Since the company’s global launch of World Without Waste in 2018, Coca-Cola Philippines has rolled out a series of innovations and partnerships in the Philippines to achieve its goals by introducing packaging innovations; collaborating with different sectors to create and support existing collection hubs across the country to bring collection and recycling closer to communities; and forging strategic alliances with the government, non-government organizations, and civil society to help establish a circular economy for plastic packaging in the country.

For 2023, Coca-Cola Philippines pledges to continue serving Filipino consumers with their favorite brands of beverages while supporting communities and growing a sustainable business in the Philippines for the future. Among the company’s immediate targets is to make recycling easier and more engaging for consumers by expanding its over 2,800 waste collection hubs across the country through increased partnerships with like-minded organizations and institutions. This also includes enabling the participation of microentrepreneurs, particularly sari-sari stores, through the Tapon to Ipon and Tindahan Extra Mile Balik PET Bottle programs, to help create a community-backed circular economy of plastic packaging while promoting economic empowerment among micro-retailers.

At present, Coca-Cola Philippines has launched more than 600 Tapon to Ipon store hubs across the country. The company has also partnered with the provincial governments of Iloilo and Davao del Sur for large-scale collection of recyclable plastic bottles.

In addition, Coca-Cola Philippines helps improve the welfare of informal waste sector workers by supporting the work of social entrepreneur, Plastic Bank Philippines. The partnership has activated 38 waste collection locations and 651 collection community members in the South Luzon area and has resulted in the collection of 546,000 kilograms of post-consumer bottles for recycling since 2021.

In the Philippines and around the world, The Coca-Cola Company continues to work to create a more accessible way of recycling and working toward a more sustainable future for packaging. The global World Without Waste program is anchored on three interrelated goals: Design, Collect, and Partner.

● Design: Make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030

● Collect: Collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells by 2030

● Partner: Bring people together to support a healthy, debris-free environment

For more information on the sustainability initiatives of Coca-Cola Philippines, follow the company’s social media channel: @CocaColaPhilippines on Facebook and @cocacolaph on Twitter and Instagram — or visit www.coca-cola.com.ph.

Change Make Her: The Coca-Cola Foundation Joins Forces with Microloan Platform Kiva to Support up to 45,000 Entrepreneurs Around The World Including the Philippines

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The Coca-Cola Foundation has announced its support for Change Make Her, a new five-year partnership with microloan nonprofit Kiva to improve financial access for under-represented entrepreneurs around the world.

The announcement was made at the Coca-Cola “Level the Playing Field” DEI Summit in Sydney as the company builds on its long legacy of support for the FIFA Women’s World CupTM. Coca-Cola continues to work with influential partners around the world in a broader push for progress for women and under-represented groups across business and society.

Kiva is best-known for its global lending platform, which provides a simple way to connect lenders with borrowers through crowdfunding microfinance. This is an effective strategy to help get loans to people who would not otherwise have access to commercial bank services.

Over the next five years, Change Make Her will act as a revolving loan fund, supporting entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia, South Pacific, Africa, Latin America and Europe across a number of impact areas, including sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, water and retail.

Saadia Madsbjerg, president of The Coca-Cola Foundation, said repayments from borrowers will return to the fund, allowing funding to be loaned and re-loaned to borrowers around the world. This structure will allow a $1.1 million grant in 2023 to have up to a $4.5 million impact on loan volume by 2028.

“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Kiva, which goes beyond traditional forms of giving,” Madsbjerg said. “By joining forces with like-minded lenders and partners from around the world, the Change Make Her fund will enable us to lend, and relend, alongside thousands of others. It is a partnership based on a shared belief in the power of access to finance to uplift communities.

“Micro-enterprises are important contributors to job creation and global economic development,” Madsbjerg said. “We hope that in addition to directly supporting entrepreneurs, Change Make Her will create a ripple effect for generations to come as these entrepreneurs go on to create new jobs and drive prosperity in their communities.”

Over the past 17 years, Kiva has deployed over $2 billion to 4.7 million borrowers globally, more than any other crowdfunding platform. More than 80% of Kiva loans go to women, with a 96% repayment rate. In the Philippines, Kiva has provided loans of over $185,000 or nearly P10.5M to more than 587,000 borrowers across the country.

“Kiva is honoured to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation in expanding our work of financial access through life-changing loans,” said Vishal Ghotge, CEO of Kiva. “Together, we will be able to serve thousands more individuals than we would be able to do alone, demonstrating the collective power of value-aligned organizational partnerships. We are grateful to The Coca-Cola Foundation for its commitment and look forward to working alongside one another as we continue to advance gender equity, refugee financial inclusion, and climate-smart solutions in communities across the globe.”

Over the last four decades, The Coca-Cola Foundation has supported many economic empowerment programs across the world, including the decade-long 5by20 program, which together with The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners, enabled the economic empowerment of over 6 million women.

Through the Change Make Her program, Coca-Cola employees will be able to help direct Kiva loans to entrepreneurs and directly engage in supporting The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission. To find out more about Kiva’s platform, visit www.kiva.org.

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About The Coca-Cola Foundation

The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.

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About Kiva 

Kiva is a global nonprofit, founded in 2005, with a mission to expand financial access and help underserved communities thrive. Kiva unlocks capital for borrowers through crowdfunded loans supported by individuals around the world. With as little as $25, you can support entrepreneurs and small business owners in the U.S. and across the globe with critical access to funding. Over two million people have invested $2 billion in real dreams and real opportunity, spanning more than 90 countries and 4.7 million borrowers. 

Coca-Cola Philippines expands partnership with Plastic Bank PH, accelerates collection and recycling in Laguna

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Coca-Cola Philippines continues to strengthen its partnerships with like-minded organizations to help address the issue of plastic waste in the country. As part of its efforts, the company has expanded the Ecosystem Impact Program in partnership with Plastic Bank Philippines, a social enterprise that builds collection and recycling ecosystems in communities to prevent ocean-bound plastic waste.

Since the program began operations in Cavite in 2021, it has now expanded to Laguna, with nine new partner shops on board, adding to a total of 15 recyclable wastes collection branches within Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank's program areas. Furthermore, over 160 new waste collection members have joined the Plastic Bank ecosystem, bringing the total number of members to 600. These new additions to the ecosystem have helped scale the collection of the Program.

Nine new partner shops have been enrolled to the Program this year, with plans to onboard more and further expand operations in Laguna in the coming months.

"Together with our partner, Plastic Bank Philippines, we are delighted to see the expansion of the Plastic Bank Ecosystem in Laguna. At Coca-Cola, we recognize our responsibility in helping address the global plastic waste problem, and we remain committed to growing our collection and recycling efforts across the nation, in collaboration with partners and communities," said Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Franchise East Region.

Through the Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank Ecosystem Impact Program, partner branches, such as junk shops, are given access to tools and equipment for efficient waste collection, such as sacks, branch uniforms, weighing scales, and shop signages. In addition, members are also provided with training sessions on financial and business literacy, operations management, and health and sanitation. The Program also teaches them how to use the Plastic Bank app, which assists shop owners in tracking collections and sharing their waste collection impact online and at the same time provides ease of access to receive useful information and other benefits from the Program.

Roving waste collection members gather recyclable plastic from households, businesses, and other waste generating sources in the communities and bring the material to partner collection branches. They are the important link or the intermediaries between waste generators and recycling facilities playing a crucial role in the country’s waste management system by helping increase the recycling rate and reducing landfill waste.

The Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank Ecosystem Impact Program works directly with individuals in the informal waste sector and MSMEs like junk shops to create collection and recycling ecosystems in communities that help prevent plastic waste from going into the ocean. The program also gives the members access to training and equipment for systemized waste collection.

The Program’s waste collection members bring the plastic waste to partner collection branches and receive an above-market rate for collected plastic, which is convertible into cash or digital tokens that can be used for health, work and life insurance, digital connectivity, and social and fintech services.

Gidget Velez, Chief Supply and Countries Officer of Plastic Bank, expressed gratitude for the continuously growing 3-year relationship with Coca-Cola Philippines. “Plastic pollution is a major crisis that affects all life on Earth. It requires the collective effort of all humanity to address this issue. We thank Coca-Cola Philippines for being part of our mission to stop ocean plastic and alleviate poverty for three years. Now that we opened a new ecosystem in Laguna, our journey together will create an even bigger impact for our planet and our society.”

The Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank Ecosystem Impact Program intends to empower and equip local junk shops to be able to independently sustain their waste collection ecosystems moving forward, through livelihood opportunities, social and financial benefits, and acceleration of collection capacity and processes. With this growing partnership with Plastic Bank, Coca-Cola Philippines remains committed to its World Without Waste vision and to helping create a sustainable packaging future for Filipinos.

Coca-Cola Philippines Supports Makati City’s Celebration of Earth Hour 2023

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Coca-Cola Philippines proudly supported the City Government of Makati’s celebration of Earth Hour 2023, held last March 25 at Circuit Event Grounds. The event emphasized the importance of energy conservation and mindful consumption of natural resources, while encouraging Filipinos to participate in the global effort.

(from L to R) Augusto De los Santos, Head of Department of Environmental Services (DES) of Makati City; Councilor Edralyn Marquez, Chairperson of Environmental Protection Committee of Makati City; Monique Lagdameo, Vice Mayor of Makati City; Makati Councilor Carmina Ortega; Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific East Region

In addition to supporting Earth Hour, Coca-Cola Philippines also provided support for the event, including refreshments for participants. Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific East Region, signed the commitment wall together with Makati City officials, City Hall employees, residents, and students.

Coca-Cola Philippines is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and is proud to be a part of initiatives that promote efforts towards a sustainable environment. The company believes that by working together with government, communities, and civil society, we can create a more sustainable future for all.

Earth Hour is a global event that has been held annually since 2007. It aims to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and encourage individuals and organizations to take action to protect the environment.

Coca-Cola PH continues to empower micro-entrepreneurs, celebrates 500 graduates of training program with TESDA

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(MANILA, Philippines, 28 March 2023) – 500 micro-entrepreneurs were awarded Certificates of Completion for finishing the iSTAR Program in a graduation ceremony held at the TESDA Complex in Taguig City last March 22, 2023.

Launched in 2021, the iSTAR Program is the digital adaptation of the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program, an enduring partnership between Coca-Cola Philippines and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which provides free access to training, resources, and peer mentoring to micro and small business owners to help them grow their businesses. The iSTAR Program has removed the limitations of in-classroom training and diversified its trainees by opening it to existing and start-up micro-retailers of all genders.

TESDA Director General Danilo P. Cruz (left) and Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario (right) also met during the iSTAR graduation ceremony to discuss plans to further expand and strengthen the training program.

Aimed at providing entrepreneurial training, sari-sari store owners and micro-entrepreneurs will be able to enhance their business knowledge such as online selling, inventory control, and planning; and gain access to microloans that will enable them to build their businesses further.

The iSTAR Program is one of the efforts of Coca-Cola Philippines in sustaining the economic empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. For over a decade, Coca-Cola's initiatives in this area have reached more than 270,000 women entrepreneurs in the retail sector across 17 regions and 81 provinces of the Philippines.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Partners with USAID Philippines for Watershed Rehabilitation in Iloilo and Negros Occidental

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Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) continues to support community access to clean, safe water through its partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines and non-government organizations, for projects that improve watershed conservation and promote a water-secure future in Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

To formalize the partnership, CCFPI and USAID signed two Memoranda of Agreement, one for the Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative Project and another for Sustaining Watershed Health through Sustainable Livelihood and Agroforestry Project in Negros Occidental last March 22 at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

(from left to right) Green Forum Western Visayas Principal Coordinator Melvin Purzuelo; CRS Philippines Subregional Country Representative Sanda Rihtman; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Chairman Tony del Rosario; USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn and; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Cecile Alcantara represented their respective organizations to cement their partnership for the IWARI program in Iloilo.

The Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative (IWARI) Project aims to promote climate resilience and help enhance water availability from the Tigum-Aganan Watershed and Iloilo-Batiano Watershed for upstream and downstream communities, including Iloilo City, through improved resource management. Through the CCFPI grant, IWARI Project will be implemented on the ground by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Philippines and Green Forum Western Visayas while USAID shall provide technical oversight. This will address the urgent need for sustainable management of critical watersheds in Iloilo province and ultimately help improve water availability from the watersheds.

(from left to right) Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Cecile Alcantara; Chairman Tony del Rosario; USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn and; NEDF President Wilhelmina Gonzales signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the SWATH Project in Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, the Sustaining Watershed Health through Sustainable Livelihood and Agroforestry (SWATH) Project in Negros Occidental aims to implement agroforestry and watershed conservation activities to help protect the province’s sources of freshwater, particularly the Himogaan River Watershed and Sicaba River Watershed — ensuring sustainable water resources for the farming communities and households of Negros Occidental residents. Through the CCFPI grant, the SWATH Project will be implemented on the ground by Negros Economic Development Foundation (NEDF) while USAID Philippines shall provide technical oversight.

Coca-Cola PH, Save Philippine Seas help expand community-based waste solution programs through Reimagine Recycling Year 4

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Five community-based programs that offer circular economy solutions have each received up to Php 500,000 in grant funding from the Reimagine Recycling initiative of Save Philippine Seas and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, with special participation from Tetra Pak Philippines.

Reimagine Recycling is a program that aims to help non-government groups with emerging circular economy solutions that address issues in solid waste management and help improve the welfare of the informal waste sector. The program will help expand these projects through capacity-building workshops on stakeholder management, communications and business models, mentoring, and financial grant funding.

Now in its fourth year, it sought program proposals to support and fund through Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines’ social investment arm. Since the call for applications was opened in June 2022, 10 were shortlisted to present their waste solutions and receive training and tools that will equip them in growing their initiatives.

Out of the 10 shortlisted initiatives, Alon and Araw, Barrio Studios, #RefillNotLandfill, Sagip Kalikasan and KAKASIE Eco-Park were awarded grants and will continue their work this time with more project funding, not just on collection and recycling but also in educating communities on proper waste segregation and management.

“We at Coca-Cola believe in the power of partnerships to help address waste pollution and help establish a circular economy in the Philippines. This is why we continue to be supportive of collaborations like Reimagine Recycling that empower innovative and sustainable waste management solutions that create impact in the communities they serve,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for the East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. “By partnering with Save Philippine Seas and Tetra Pak Philippines, we can help support entrepreneurs to scale up their existing programs that promote a circular economy, while also strengthening our efforts to achieve our goal of a World Without Waste.”

Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with Save Philippine Seas and Tetra Pak, named the winners of this year’s Reimagine Recycling program at the World Without Waste Year 4 Progress Report event on October 14, 2022, awarding them with total grant funding of up to Php 500,000 each. 

Joining the awardees on stage are (from leftmost inward) Michael Wu, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Market Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia; Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Franchise East Region, Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific; (from rightmost inward) Cecile Alcantara, President, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.; and Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

With additional funding from Coca-Cola Philippines and its partners, winners of Reimagine Recycling Year 4 can now focus on expanding and building a stronger foundation for its initiatives:

Alon and Araw provides opportunities for underprivileged children of coastal communities through sports, which enable them to foster love for the environment and aspire for a future with a better quality of life. Alon and Araw regularly conducts coastal cleanups as well as sports, education, and personal development workshops that reinforce important values and encourage responsibility within the family, society, and the environment;

Barrio Studios is a textile and manufacturing hub by TenTwenty Kids that helps businesses manage their pre-consumer textile waste through the collection, segregation, and transformation of reclaimed fabrics into higher-value goods;

#RefillNotLandfill is an advocacy of Suds Sustainable Pods, the country’s first pod brand that offers personal hygiene and household cleaning products packaged in water-soluble film that is biodegradable, non-toxic, and waste-free, offering a sustainable solution to sanitation. Suds was created to help reduce plastic waste and carbon footprint while providing a sustainable alternative that effectively cleans;

Sagip Kalikasan aims to prevent the leakage of plastics into the ocean through environmental education, waste segregation, and collection in the municipalities of Naic, Marogondon and General Trias, Cavite. And lastly;

Kasambuhan A’a Kauman Association for Sustainability, Innovation and Empowerment (KAKASIE) seeks to help address issues on improper waste disposal in Sapa-sapa, Tawi-Tawi by conducting regular training on recycling and upcycling. The community-based organization also aims to build an environmentally-friendly park.

“It is truly inspiring to work closely with entrepreneurs and advocates on programs that help tackle waste pollution—from plastic waste collection, managing textile waste, to educational training. We are excited to support this year’s Reimagineers and see their initiatives grow through the resources and mentorship provided by the program,” said Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

Smart Recycle PH was also awarded the Tetra Pak Special Award with grant funding for helping bridge ordinary citizens, business organizations, and verified collection partners, especially for the benefit of local junk shop owners.

"We congratulate Smart Recycle PH for the milestone they have achieved. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support high-potential community-based programs that not only advance grassroots innovation and circularity, but also share our commitment to protecting what’s good through multilateral collaborations,” said Michael Wu, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Market Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia. “Together with our partners, we hope to continue empowering the next generation to make a positive impact in building a future without waste.”

“Consistent with our mission to help uplift the lives of the communities that we serve, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines will continue to support innovations that will empower communities and inspire Filipinos to initiate their own waste solution programs, as this year’s Reimagineers have,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. “This year’s winners have proven that there are individuals and organizations who are eager to step up and create an impact in their own ways, and we in the Coca-Cola Foundation always welcome such efforts,” she adds.

In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company, through its World Without Waste vision, announced its global ambition to support a circular economy to help eliminate waste through the continual use of packaging as a valuable resource. In addition to the Reimagine Recycling program, Coca-Cola Philippines is accelerating more waste management solutions aligned with its World Without Waste goals. The company has this year opened PETValue, the first bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in the country. PETValue is a joint venture between Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. and Indorama Ventures, a global leader in packaging solutions. Coca-Cola also continues to find and deploy sustainable, effective solutions to help address the waste issue with the support of partners and communities.

For more information about Reimagine Recycling, please visit https://www.savephilippineseas.org/.

You may also read more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ World Without Waste initiatives at https://www.coca-cola.com.ph/news/our-world-without-waste-progress.