CORA launches Eco-Ikot Center Mobile App

Non-profit organization Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) officially launched the Eco-Ikot Center (EIC) Mobile App, a pioneering digital platform designed to make waste diversion smarter, simpler, and more rewarding—empowering individuals, communities, and organizations to actively participate in sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives. This one-day event was held at Robinsons Manila last August 29, 2025.

The launch marks a significant milestone in CORA’s Eco-Ikot Center (EIC) program, made possible through the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN). The program has been successfully engaging communities to reduce waste, divert recyclables from landfills, and promote climate action. The EIC Mobile App digitizes waste collection and recycling, making it easier for users to track, manage, and exchange recyclables through an innovative points-based incentive system.

The launch was made possible with the support of Robinsons Supermarket Corp (RSC) and Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) Robinsons Manila, strengthening private sector collaboration in promoting sustainable practices.

CORA Founder and Executive Director Antoinette Taus welcomed guests to the launch, emphasizing the importance of combining technology with community action.

"Through the Eco Ikot Center Mobile App, we are empowering individuals, schools, businesses and communities to take part in building sustainable cities. By turning over recyclables and tracking their impact through the app, people can realize that small actions—when done collectively—can create meaningful change for our people and the planet," Taus said.

Messages of Support

During the launch, KOICA Deputy Country Director YOO Jiyoung, who was represented by Program Manager Ms. CHOI Subin, expressed her support for the initiative, highlighting how the mobile app builds on the achievements of the Eco-Ikot Sustainable Cities program in advancing circular economy in the Philippines.

Mr. Kim Chan, Sr. Mall Manager of Robinsons Manila, also shared RLC’s commitment to environmental stewardship, emphasizing how the partnership with CORA aligns with Robinsons’ ongoing efforts to support sustainable and responsible communities.

About the Mobile App

Visual display of the EIC Mobile App highlighting its key features.

The EIC Mobile App allows users to:

• Register and locate Eco-Ikot Centers near them

• Track turned-over recyclables real time, from PET bottles, rigid plastics, flexible plastics, tin cans, sachets, aluminum, paper, cardboard, and more

• Check the updated rates and points they earn for every recyclable

• Redeem their points for rewards such as e-cash, goods, and livelihood products

• Monitor their individual and collective impact in terms of recyclables diverted and points earned
  
  

Since its pilot implementation, CORA’s Eco Ikot Centers have already diverted over 173 metric tons of recyclables, preventing waste from ending up in landfills and oceans. The mobile app builds on this progress by expanding accessibility to households, schools, businesses, and local government partners.

Promoting Circular and Sustainable Cities

Launched in 2023, the Eco-Ikot Sustainable Cities program has trained women champions as leaders in waste management, engaged schools to promote recycling and the circular economy, and partnered with recyclers, junk shops, and businesses to scale solutions for waste reduction. With the continued support of KOICA, USAID, and OSEAN, the program is advancing inclusive, community-driven approaches to solid waste management and circular solutions in Metro Manila.

The development of the app was made possible in partnership with Optimind Solutions, ensuring a user-friendly and scalable platform that can serve thousands of communities across Metro Manila and beyond.

CORA invites communities, schools, businesses, and local governments to integrate the EIC Mobile App into their sustainability programs, reinforcing collective efforts to build waste-free and climate-resilient communities. The Eco-Ikot Mobile App is now available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store.