Ford PH partners with Motolite, PBSP for ‘Balik Baterya Program’

Ford’s local arm has partnered with Motolite and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for the Balik Baterya Program, an initiative that aims to recycle used lead-acid batteries (ULABs).

“Through the Balik Baterya Program, we are able to bring to life Ford’s global commitment to 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.

With the increasing number of vehicle sales in the Philippines comes a similarly increasing demand for batteries. Ford Philippines and its partners look to promote the proper disposal and recycling of automotive batteries.

That said, one of Ford’s dealerships — the Laus Group — has taken a step forward in being the pioneer dealer group to implement the Balik Baterya Program early this year.

“Being in the business of automotive dealerships, we knew that the PBSP’s Balik Baterya Program was a great way for us to create a positive impact, as we push to incorporate sustainability in the way we do business. It is our hope that through this program, we are able to affect change in our communities by pioneering sustainable business practices, geared towards promoting progressive development not just in the countryside but nationwide that is now shared by all,” commented Laus Group Dealer Principal Lisset Laus-Velasco.

Launched 15 years ago, the Balik Baterya Program is Motolite’s flagship CSR initiative which encourages its customers to properly dispose and recycle ULABs to protect the environment from hazardous wastes.

According to the United Nations Environment Program, around 86 percent of the total global consumption of lead is for the production of lead-acid batteries.

Lead is toxic and harmful not only to the environment but to the health as well and there are no safe levels of lead exposure.

However, the Balik Baterya Program looks to turn things around by collecting used batteries for reprocessing and recycling for commercial use through proper channels and facilities. The proceeds from the used batteries are then used to fund development projects for communities in need such as the provision of new classrooms, school desks, books, and supplemental feeding for children.

“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 PBSP Corporate Citizenship and CSR Manager, Khairon-Niza Magundacan.

The Balik Baterya Program has now generated around P147 million. The funds have been used to support and implement around 169 projects nationwide which benefitted at least 115 public schools and communities.

Photos from Ford

Also read: 

Ford and SK Innovation to form BlueOvalSK, commits to battery manufacturing

Ford looks to up battery R&D work through Ford Ion Park