Manila, Philippines – April 28, 2025 – The Resilience and Sustainability for Empowerment (RSE) Foundation, through its PROPEL Program (Promoting Responsibility and Opportunities for People, Environment, and Livelihoods), and Dewaste Solutions today inaugurated the first MARE! (Materials Recovery) kiosk at Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila. This initiative, launched in partnership with the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) and the City Government of Manila, aims to transform waste management practices and empower communities through sustainable materials recovery. Hex Brizuela, RSE Manager for Programs and Initiatives and Crystal Kay Lopez, RSE Program Associate, attended the launch.

About PROPEL Program
PROPEL, launched in 2021, evolved from PTC’s “Plastic Free Starts with Me” (PFSWM) campaign, which pioneered education and community-driven solutions to combat marine plastic pollution. Building on this legacy, PROPEL integrates responsible waste management with livelihood creation by diverting plastic waste to upcycling partners, reducing environmental harm while fostering economic opportunities. Since its inception, the program has expanded to stakeholder communities in Batangas and Manila, emphasizing grassroots education, circular economy practices, and partnerships with local governments and businesses.

The MARE! kiosk—a flagship initiative under PROPEL—will serve as a hub for collecting recyclables such as plastic, aluminum, beverage containers, and cartons, aligning with its tagline “morerecycle yan!” (Recycle more!). The program seeks to reduce landfill waste, promote circular economy principles, and foster public awareness about responsible consumption.

Ms. Crystal Kay Lopez, RSE Foundation Program Associate, emphasized: "MARE! transforms how we view waste - not as trash, but as valuable resources. By combining community education with practical recycling infrastructure, we're creating both environmental impact and economic opportunities. This kiosk is just the first step in our vision for a cleaner, greener Manila."

Juvien Galano, Dewaste Solutions Founder, added: "Our partnership with RSE brings together the best of community engagement and technical waste management solutions. The MARE! kiosk demonstrates how beautiful, functional design can inspire public participation in sustainability efforts while ensuring fair compensation for waste collectors."

Cecille A. Lorenzana-Romero, NPDC Executive Director III, noted: "As caretakers of our national parks, we're proud to host this innovative program. MARE! aligns perfectly with our mission to preserve Rizal Park's heritage while embracing sustainable practices that will benefit future generations."

About RSE Foundation and Dewaste Solutions
The Resilience and Sustainability for Empowerment Foundation drives initiatives that merge environmental action with community development. Its PROPEL Program focuses on scalable solutions for waste reduction, resource efficiency, and inclusive livelihood opportunities. Dewaste Solutions pioneers tech-driven waste management systems, leveraging partnerships to create circular economies and reduce environmental impact across the Philippines. In 2024, Dewaste and RSE Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the PROPEL program, with the aim of implementing the program in high-impact communities, like the City of Manila.

For more inquiries: facebook.com/rsefoundation or email us at clopez@rse.org.ph