Dominican Republic Capital Prepares for 'Plastic for School Supplies' Event

The National District Mayor's Office in the Dominican Republic has finalized preparations for the third "Plastic for School Supplies" event, scheduled for Saturday. The initiative aims to promote environmental awareness by allowing residents to exchange plastic bottles for essential school items.

A significant security and assistance operation will be in place to ensure the event runs smoothly. Approximately 400 uniformed officers from various national security forces, including the National Police, Army, and Air Force, will be deployed. They will be supported by emergency response teams such as the Civil Defense, Red Cross, and the Directorate of Emergency Medical Services.

The event, which will take place at the Municipal Palace in the "Centro de los Héroes" from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, will also feature a mobile hospital, eight ambulances, and six fire units. A dedicated tent will be available to assist any lost children.

To mitigate the effects of the heat, organizers have arranged for restrooms, six hydration stations, and tent tunnels to provide shade for attendees. Participants must present a national identification card to prove residency in the National District. For every 1,000 plastic bottles submitted, individuals will receive a backpack containing an electronic tablet and a thermos, with a maximum of two backpacks allowed per person.

This program is part of a broader environmental initiative by Mayor Carolina Mejía's administration, which has reportedly collected over 37 million plastic bottles through similar exchange events. The "Plastic for School Supplies" initiative is supported by several private and public sector partners, including the Ministry of Education and various businesses.