MANILA – The Quezon City Government has assured the EcoWaste Coalition and 17 other supporting organizations that it will review and act on recommendations regarding the reusable stainless steel water tumblers distributed to public school students.

In a letter dated July 25, the EcoWaste Coalition commended the city for providing 420,000 learning kits, including tumblers, to students in over 150 public schools for school year 2025–2026. The group praised the initiative for reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles and confirmed through screening that the tumblers’ red paint coating was lead-safe.

However, the group raised concern over the sealing dot at the bottom of the bottles, which laboratory analysis found to contain over 100,000 parts per million (ppm) of lead from solder material. The dot was covered only with a round silver sticker, which the group warned could expose children to lead if damaged or removed.

In response, the city government’s Education Affairs Unit, under the Office of the Mayor, welcomed the feedback and said the matter will be relayed to concerned offices and the Schools Division Office of Quezon City for review.

“Your suggestions on strengthening procurement processes, such as requiring supplier certifications and compliance with safety standards, will also be taken into account as part of our continuous improvement in providing safe and sustainable learning support to our students,” the city government said.

The EcoWaste Coalition urged city authorities to continue procuring lead-safe tumblers without solder dots, and to request supplier certificates ensuring compliance with safety standards and testing for hazardous substances. It also asked the city to consider replacing existing tumblers and to advise parents and students on safe use to prevent exposure.