Motolite, PBSP support Ford’s ‘Balik Baterya Program’

MANILA: Ford Philippines has teamed up with Motolite and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to promote the proper disposal and recycling of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) through its “Balik Baterya Program.”

Car batteries use lead, which is toxic and harmful to both the environment and human health. According to the United Nations Environment Program, around 86% of total global lead consumption is for production of lead-acid batteries.

In a statement, Ford Philippines President and Managing Director Michael Allen Breen said, “Through the Balik Baterya Program, we are able to bring to life Ford’s global commitment on environmental sustainability in the Philippines, and work with our Ford dealers and like-minded partners such as Motolite and PBSP to reinforce this advocacy. At the same time, the program provides an opportunity for our dealer partners to create and even expand their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to support more beneficiaries.”

The LausGroup, one of Ford’s dealer partners, has taken a step forward by being the first dealer group to implement the Balik Baterya Program. “Being in the business of automotive dealerships, we knew that the PBSP’s Balik Baterya Program was a great way for us to create a positive impact, as we push to incorporate sustainability in the way we do business,” LausGroup Dealer Principal Lisset Laus-Velasco stated. “It is our hope that through this program, we are able to affect change in our communities by pioneering sustainable business practices, geared towards promoting progressive development not just in the countryside but nationwide that is now shared by all.”

The Balik Baterya Program, which began in 2006, is Motolite’s flagship CSR program advocating for the proper disposal and recycling of ULABs in order to safeguard the environment from hazardous wastes. Used batteries are collected, reconditioned, and recycled for commercial use. The proceeds from the used batteries are then utilized to fund community development projects such as provision of new classrooms, school desks, books, and supplemental feeding for children.

“Around 5,825 tons of ULABs is what the Balik Baterya Program partnership with PBSP has been able to recycle. More so, these wastes transformed to the greater goal of advancing communities through funding social development programs,” PBSP Corporate Citizenship and CSR Manager Khairon-Niza Magundacan said.

To date, the program has raised around P147 million, which has been used to support and implement 169 projects across the country. At least 115 public schools and communities benefited from these efforts.

Photos from Ford Philippines

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