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| Converge Corporate Compliance & Data Protection Officer and Corporate Sustainability Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason (fourth from right) and Converge VP and Head for Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado (third from right) with AmCham Philippines Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe (leftmost) and fellow awardees under the Environmental Sustainability and Resource Efficiency category of AmCham Philippines’ recent 2nd Corporate Social Impact Awards. Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary and Board of Investments Managing Head Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo (rightmost) graced the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of the AmCham Philippines) |
Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. was named Silver Awardee for its ‘Countdown to Zero Waste’ campaign at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) 2nd Corporate Social Impact Awards held recently.
The company earned the distinction under the Environmental Sustainability and Resource Efficiency category for its multi-phase waste management program that targets the reduction and proper management of its operational waste, particularly waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), polyethylene/PVC materials, plastics, and general solid waste.
This long-term effort supports the company’s goal, outlined in its sustainability agenda, of achieving zero waste to landfill by 2030.
“Our Countdown to Zero Waste campaign is our way of ensuring we care for the environment as we grow. This recognition affirms our effort to accelerate our zero-waste journey, deepen our circular practices, and champion initiatives that protect our environment while empowering the communities we serve. We aspire to be tech for good, leveraging our resources, reach, and expertise to create lasting impact for the planet and for people,” said Converge Corporate Compliance & Data Protection Officer and Corporate Sustainability Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason.
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| Converge Corporate Compliance & Data Protection Officer and Corporate Sustainability Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason |
The three-phase campaign traces a clear trajectory of expanding environmental responsibility across the organization. For the first phase of the initiative, Converge partnered with government-accredited scrap recycling companies to process and repurpose e-waste, which is one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams amid accelerating digitalization.
Through these partners, discarded equipment and materials are transformed into usable products such as bricks, chairs, and other construction items. Converge also deployed zero-waste bins in its various business centers nationwide, giving employees and customers convenient drop-off points for old devices.
Another segment of the campaign also focused on upcycling of tarpaulins, and other marketing materials, converting them into bags, mats, and household items through KreAtions PH. The social enterprise is a woman-led business which employs single mothers and stay-at-home mothers and wives as stitchers of the upcycled products. The Countdown to Zero Waste also encompasses the refurbishment of returned customer premises equipment (CPE) or old modems.
For the program’s second component, Converge also pushed to reduce single-use plastics in its offices, reinforcing sustainability into everyday practices.
The most recent phase, meanwhile, introduced a company-wide waste segregation system in line with Pasig City’s local regulations, ensuring consistent waste management across Converge facilities.
According to Converge, the campaign has already resulted in significant waste reduction and recovery; Since its formal launch in 2023, the program has repurposed 1,333 kilograms of plastic waste from employees and customers into eco-cast bricks for construction. In 2024, 65.72 kg of e-waste was collected and turned over to partners for hauling, processing, and recycling. For the recycling of CPEs or modems, 8,000 were issued in 2022 and over 112, 500 in 2023, instead of brand new units.
The AmCham Philippines Corporate Social Impact Awards recognize companies that demonstrate leadership in corporate social responsibility and deliver projects that uplift communities all over the country.
