Program to save tarsiers gets boost

McDonald’s Philippines donated more than 300 cell phones and accessories to i-rEcover, i-rEcycle program of Nokia Philippines, Globe Telecom, Ayala Foundation and Philippine Tarsier Foundation Inc. (PTFI).

For the second time since the launching of the program a year ago,  McDonald’s Philippines again donated 398 old cellular phones, batteries and chargers to support the recycling program.

The new donation was in addition to the 613 defective mobile phones and accessories which McDonald’s turned over in November 2011.

“McDonald’s was the first local company to heed the call for the recycling project and they promised to continue the advocacy.  Hopefully, this campaign would also create awareness for other companies and individuals on the importance of saving our environment and our endangered species,” said Rob I. Nazal, Globe corporate social responsibility head.

For every old mobile phone collected for recycling, Nokia will donate P100 to the PTFI to support its programs preserving the Philippine tarsier and its habitat.

Anyone who donates a “complete” mobile phone (with battery) will also receive a Nokia Eco-item.

The box of old cellular phones and accessories were used for a marketing program of McDonald’s, which already ended.

“We know that disposal should not be harmful to the environment so we decided to donate the items to Globe for recycling,” Ramoncito V. Nazarea, manager for McDonald’s Management Services said.

“Management continuously imbues to its employees the value of malasakit not only for the company but also for the country.  We are constantly motivated to let go of our personal interest for the better good,” he added.

The i-rEcover, i-rEcycle program aims to attract the general public, including Globe and non-Globe subscribers, as well as Nokia and non-Nokia users, to donate old mobile phones by bringing them to the cellphone recycling bins located in Globe stores and in Ayala malls.