Project BRICK, an eco-innovation that transforms coal ash byproducts and plastic waste into durable, sustainable hollow block bricks.

In a quiet barangay in Toledo City, Cebu, what used to be heaps of plastic waste from the community and byproducts of coal-fired power generation now take shape as something stronger — an “eco-brick” designed for a smarter kind of building. 

Spearheaded by Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), and supported by local organization Toledo United Farmers, Fishermen, and Women Workers (TUFFWOW), Project B.R.I.C.K. offers sustainable construction materials and new livelihood paths for local residents.

“We offtake fly ash from the power plant and plastic waste from the community, shred it until it becomes powdery, then mix it with cement,” explained Johncent Poloyapoy, board member of TUFFWOW. “That’s how we create these eco-bricks.”

Whereas the fly ash is collected and given to TUFFWOW for free by TVI, the plastic waste is accumulated by members of the community themselves and traded in for essential items like rice, incentivizing them to clean their surroundings.

Johncent Poloyapoy, board member of Toledo United Farmers, Fishermen, and Women Workers (TUFFWOW)

“We thought, ‘what can we do with all this plastic?’ That’s where the idea of using it for construction came in,” added TVI Reputation and Stakeholder Management Operations Specialist Marigold “Goldie” Lebumfacil.

TVI did the program in partnership with Green Antz Builders, Inc., which provided the technology and expertise for the brick-making hub.

These aren’t the hollow blocks found in most construction sites. “What makes them smart is the design — it’s tongue-and-groove like Lego, so no mortar is needed,” Poloyapoy said. “They're solid and heavier than the usual concrete hollow blocks. That’s why they last longer.”

“We adjusted the formula for three months,” Poloyapoy explained. “We now use more waste materials, and just one sack of cement can make up to 98 bricks. That’s compared to only 17 in traditional methods.”

“It’s more affordable, but also better in quality,” he added, estimating the cost of producing each brick to be around P25. “We’re not just recycling — we’re improving what’s already out there.”

Project B.R.I.C.K. is one of many programs TUFFWOW manages. The group started with seven associations across four barangays. Today, it has close to 1,000 members and continues to grow. 

Currently, the brick-making hub is managed by a small team, who operate a single machine that can produce about a thousand bricks a week.

During the pandemic, TUFFWOW expanded to include tricycle and pedicab drivers, helping them find an alternative livelihood when work was limited.

“We’ve also launched bamboo projects and barangay beautification initiatives,” Poloyapoy said. “The idea is broader than recycling. We’re building sustainable livelihoods.”

Project B.R.I.C.K. may have started with waste, but it’s proving that scraps can turn into something valuable. For the people of Toledo, it’s not just about cleaner streets — it’s about building a better foundation for the future.

Project B.R.I.C.K. offers sustainable construction materials and new livelihood paths for local residents.

“We can only cater to one client at a time. But the demand is growing, especially with plans for socialized housing projects in the area. We’re hoping to build the first model house using Bambrick soon,” Poloyapoy said, referring to construction materials using bamboo and eco-bricks.