Pawikan installation encourages La Union beachgoers to throw trash responsibly

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan in La Union is among the most favorite weekend destinations for many who love the surf-and-beach vibe, but it can also bear the brunt of one of modern man's shortcomings, improper waste disposal. 

Visitors to the surf town, however, will find that there is an eye-catching geometric art installation made of bamboo placed in front of Urbiz Garden in Urbiztondo, San Juan Beach, that will encourage them to throw their trash responsibly.

La Union artist John Parmisano said he worked on the art installation for three weeks in time for its launch on Earth Day last April 22. 

The pawikan (turtle) installation, Athena Pawi-Can, is part of the sustainable waste management project by remote-first and executive assistant company Athena. This was launched in partnership with the San Juan Resort and Hotel Association Inc. (SJRRHASS), Dragon 8 Junkshop and the local government unit of San Juan, La Union.

Parmisano saw the appeal of the pawikan waste bins, saying that aesthetically, it would attract beachgoers, and when they realize that the installation is actually a waste bin, they will see its dual purpose and will be encouraged to properly dispose of their trash. 

"At saka 'yung hugis pawikan, it reminds one that there are pawikans here. Let's help them. Let's protect them," the artist said to Philstar.com. 

Athena will be funding the installation of several smaller versions of the pawikan waste bins in strategic locations in San Juan, with the help of the San Juan Resort and Hotel Association Inc. The association has 90 member establishments, with 72 of them accredited by the Department of Tourism, said its member Tina Antonio to Philstar.com.

Urbiz Garden will maintain the Pawi-Can installation for five months and will turn it over to Project Curma. 

CURMA or Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions is a marine turtle conservation initiative established in 2010. To date, it has released over 35,000 hatchlings since 2009. Apart from marine turtle conservation, the iniative also does beach clean-ups, community development and beach patrolling. 

"For Athena, the theme for this year's Earth Day is 'Planet vs. Plastic.' It's always a dream