Iloilo city: The city government is poised to manage an estimated 300 tons of waste expected to be generated during the weeklong Dinagyang Festival in 2026, marking an increase from the approximately 260 tons collected in the previous year.
According to Philippines News Agency, General Services Office head Neil Ravena highlighted in a recent media interview that extensive preparations have been made, including a series of meetings and a simulation exercise to address potential challenges. The La Paz district team faced significant challenges during the simulation, particularly due to adverse weather conditions.
During the two-day opening salvo on January 10 and 11, the city government managed to collect around two truckloads of waste. For the main festival commencing on January 18, the GSO plans to deploy 327 street sweepers, one sweeper truck, 80 portalets, and maintenance personnel in key areas such as Sunburst Park and Freedom Grandstand.
Water tankers will be assigned to flush areas like Valeria-Delgado, Ledesma Street, and Freedom Grandstand. Ravena also emphasized the readiness of the comfort rooms at the Sports Complex, which have recently undergone renovations.
A dedicated 20-cubic truck will be stationed at the Iloilo Sports Complex, which is expected to draw around 6,000 ticketed spectators, potentially generating five to six tons of waste. Over 100 waste bins will be strategically placed along the parade route, and the material recovery facility will be operational, particularly for processing single-use plastics.
Ravena noted that approximately 80 percent of the waste collected is typically single-use plastic and expressed interest in documenting the plastic waste journey to promote a circular economy.
