ILOILO — The Province of Iloilo and four of its local government units (LGUs) have been recognized as Western Visayas’ emerging models for sustainable solid waste management after earning top citations from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 6.
The awards, given during the “Champion of Waste Management: Recognizing Local Government Units in Region 6 for Sustainable Implementation of Solid Waste Management” on Nov. 24, underscore Iloilo’s growing reputation as one of the region’s most compliant and forward-looking provinces in ecological waste governance.
The province was cited for its consistent and continuous compliance with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, alongside its collaborative rollout of innovative programs such as Balik-Alat Project, Tapon to Ipon Project, Limpyo Eleksyon, Garden for MoRProGres, and Limpyo Dalanon.
The recognition was received by Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) head Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr. and senior environmental management specialist Mitzi Peñaflorida.
Aside from the provincial government, four LGUs were also honored for exceptional contributions to sustainable waste management:
* Ajuy
* Passi City
* Dingle
* Tubungan
“Their initiatives reflect our shared vision of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Iloilo,” the PGENRO said in a statement as it recognized the four award-winning LGUs.
The PGENRO added that the “Iloilo Provincial Government remains steadfast in promoting environmental sustainability, strengthening community participation, and supporting LGUs in advancing responsible and innovative solid waste management practices.”
The province’s award marks a noteworthy milestone as local governments intensify efforts to address mounting waste disposal challenges across Western Visayas./PN