Iloilo city: Iloilo City's solid waste management strategy, specifically the transformation of tarpaulin campaign materials from the 2025 elections into eco-bags, has been recognized as a best initiative in Western Visayas by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). General Services Office head Niel Ravena accepted the 'Best LGU in the Implementation of Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)' award during the 25th signing anniversary of the law in Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the EMB highlighted the city's successful conversion of election tarpaulins into eco-bags, providing an alternative livelihood to approximately 60 waste pickers at the Calahunan dumpsite. Ravena described the program as inclusive and a model of circular economy, emphasizing the repurposing of election tarps for new uses.
The initiative collected around 14 tons of election tarps, which are currently being converted into bags. Ravena noted that the program is ongoing and includes training initiatives to produce additional products from the collected tarpaulins. Unlike other local governments, Iloilo City distinguishes itself through its organized waste pickers who transform plastics into a sustainable source of income.
Waste pickers received sewing machines obtained via 'plastic credits.' Ravena explained that for every plastic diverted from waste, an enterprise, Evergreen, purchased the plastic credits. The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) processes approximately 10 tons of waste daily, recovering two to three tons of plastics.
The DENR recognized the city's inclusive approach, emphasizing that the city government incurred no expenses as the sewing machines were acquired through plastic credits, exemplifying a circular economy. Ravena expressed the city's goal to recover more plastics and increase plastic credits.
Additionally, the city government operates a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Calahunan, managed by waste pickers. The MRF recovers various types of plastics, converting them into eco-boards and ropes from tetra packs. Ravena highlighted these practices as part of the city's high recovery rate of plastic waste and its commitment to upcycling materials.
