Local Tzu Chi volunteers are collecting recyclable materials every Friday in the remote community of Banaba Extension in San Mateo, Rizal. They have to take a boat ride to be able to reach the area.

Last September 2 was the last time when Tzu Chi volunteers went to Banaba Extension to collect recyclable materials.

They boarded an improvised boat to cross the river. A boatman named Renato Dandan pulled a rope tied to both ends of the river, so that the boat could move.

Tzu Chi’s collection of recyclable materials in Banaba Extension started in July this year, after leaders in the community had requested for it. The activity is also being done in some parts of Marikina City and Quezon City.

The consistent visit of Tzu Chi volunteers to the area earned the admiration of the residents there.

“This is a good program of the Tzu Chi Foundation. Here in our place, we really wanted to join Tzu Chi because even when we are poor, it is better to help than be the one to receive it. That is why we work together here,” said Virginia Realco, a resident of Banaba Extension and a member of the Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Banaba Extension, one of the organizations advocating Tzu Chi’s environmental protection program.

For Realco, a volunteer daycare teacher in Banaba, it is another worthwhile chance for her to be a part of an advocacy that is pushing for the protection of the environment.

She said that they are very happy because despite their seemingly remote district, Tzu Chi volunteers regularly visit them to collect recyclables. “They are very diligent,” she added.

While Realco gave various recyclable materials, another Banaba resident Leah Domingo said, “I took time to fill these two sacks with recyclables. It’s good that they come here. We are not only cleaning the environment but we are also able to help the needy. This is really a lot of help since if this won’t be collected, it will only fritter around where mosquitoes could breed. Tzu Chi can definitely expect our support.”

“We see the dedication being put out by the volunteers during their weekly visit. They are brave (in traversing the river) because they want to help us. Thank you very much to the volunteers who come here for they even cross the river to transport recyclables,” Ignacia Carvajal, for her part, said.

“They have a beautiful advocacy for the people; firstly, they help us not to throw our trash anywhere. People cooperate (in this program), we help one another; and I am very happy because this is all for the welfare of the people,” Carvajal also said of Tzu Chi Foundation.

Meanwhile, Tetchie Batas, one of the Tzu Chi volunteers who visited Banaba Extension last September 2, shared about the impact that the recycling program achieved. “Right now, there has been a big change since we regularly come here. Even though it is tough to traverse the river, we do it,” she said.

“They are pleased that we, Tzu Chi volunteers, consistently come to clean their place (through collecting non-biodegradable materials). The boat does a second round of transporting recyclables across the river,” she added.

As the Tzu Chi volunteers traversing the river despite sunny or rainy days, they once again proved true one of the aphorisms of the founder of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Master Cheng Yen, which says, “Nothing is impossible with confidence, perseverance and courage.”