One large concern in the battery production industry is the proper disposal and recycling of such products once used. To help address this problem, Ford Philippines together with Ford dealers nationwide, Motolite, and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) forged a collaboration to recycle used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) through the Balik Baterya Program. The partnership aims to promote environmental sustainability by recycling used batteries.
Launched in 2006, the Balik Baterya Program is Motolite’s flagship CSR initiative advocating for the proper disposal and legitimate recycling of ULABs to protect the environment from hazardous wastes. The collected used batteries are reprocessed and recycled for commercial use. The proceeds from the used batteries are then used to fund development projects for communities in need such as provision of new classrooms, school desks, books, and supplemental feeding for children.
“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,” said Ford Philippines President and Managing Director Michael Allen Breen.
To date, the program has generated around P147 million pesos which has supported and implemented around 169 projects nationwide. These projects have benefitted at least 115 public schools and communities.
“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,” said Corporate Citizenship and CSR Manager Khairon-Niza Magundacan.