ILOILO City – A total of 142 kilograms of solid waste were pulled out from key waterways in Iloilo City in a large-scale environmental cleanup drive, exposing persistent pollution problems in the city’s river systems despite ongoing conservation efforts.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6 mobilized dozens of volunteers who collected 38 sacks of garbage from major waterways — including the Iloilo River, Jaro River, and Mansaya Creek — during simultaneous clean-up operations on March 20, in line with the observance of World Water Day 2026.
At least 86 volunteers from various sectors joined the initiative under the Adopt-an-Estero Program, including participants from the University of San Agustin, Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Region 6, Inc. (PCAPI), Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), General Services Office (GSO), Southern Black Panthers-Molo Chapter, Sandiglaya ELPSO Eagles Club, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The group removed and collected a total of 38 sacks with 142 kilograms of solid wastes along the area.
Support from local businesses and organizations also bolstered the effort, with donations of sacks for waste collection, drinking water, and other essential supplies for volunteers.
The activity highlighted the continuing challenge of waste management in Iloilo City’s waterways, underscoring the need for sustained public participation and stricter environmental discipline.
The EMB-6 stressed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility, calling on both the private and public sectors to work hand-in-hand in preserving water quality.
It likewise urged residents and stakeholders to practice proper waste segregation and help protect the city’s river systems to ensure long-term ecological health./PN
