Spanish
Santo Domingo. – The second edition of Plastics for Schoolchildren collected 15.2 million plastic bottles, delivering 22,800 kits of backpacks and electronic tablets to families who attended the country's largest environmental awareness event, organized by the Mayor's Office of the National District and the General Customs Directorate.
This record figure marks a milestone in recycling and environmental care, as in the five editions of Plastics for Toys and the two of Plastics for Schoolchildren, a total of more than 33 million plastic bottles have been removed from the streets.
Organization and order prevailed during the activity, where from the early hours of the morning people lined up to weigh the plastics and subsequently exchange them for supplies at the Municipal Palace, in a fluid dynamic that was enlivened with animation and the participation of children's characters for the enjoyment of the children.
When pronouncing the central words of the activity, Carolina Mejía described it as a great blessing to be able to be together with her entire team and with the allies, bringing joy to the capital family, having a direct impact on the environment and education.
"It is important that together we understand that we can face the challenges we have as a city and as a society, and that in this way we are more effective," said Mejía.
Yayo Sanz Lovatón, director of Customs, assured that Plastics for School Supplies is an effort that bears the name of love, dedication, and solidarity.
"Today we see here the fruit of a public-private partnership and many people who have come together so that our children of the capital can help each other in the educational process," highlighted the head of Customs.
For a thousand small bottles, attendees received electronic tablets with backpack kits containing six notebooks, a case with materials, a set of rulers, and a thermos. While for 500 small bottles, they were given the backpacks with their respective supplies.
More than 400 collaborators were deployed in different areas to ensure the smooth running of the activity. In addition, there was a strong presence of police, military personnel, as well as 45 firefighters, a fire truck, two rescue units, two ambulances, 19 doctors, 21 rescuers, five drivers, a mobile hospital, a command post and a tent for lost children, in order to ensure the well-being of all participants.
In that sense, the authorities thanked the great work carried out by the 9-1-1 System with its ambulances, the Fire Department of the DN and Civil Defense, among others.
Plastics for School Supplies 2025 was made possible thanks to the support of: Banco Popular, Propagas, Banreservas, Grupo Rica, Fundación Propagas, Industrias San Miguel, Bandex, Lam, Planeta Azul, Banco BHD, Farmacias GBC, Seaboard Power, Referencia Laboratorio Clínico, Grupo Ramos, Magna, Uepa Tickets, Sidoca, Hilos de Amor, Ultra Clean, Industrias Bisonó and Café Santo Domingo.
