ILOILO — With the Dinagyang festivities set to draw massive crowds and generate tons of garbage, the Iloilo provincial government has rolled out a province-wide Zero Waste Month campaign, urging Ilonggos to cut waste at the source and adopt sustainable daily habits throughout January.
The initiative, led by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), was formally launched on January 5 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, signaling a stronger push for responsible waste management at the height of the festival season.
“Join us as we celebrate Provincial Zero Waste Month and roll out a month-long series of exciting activities dedicated to advancing sustainable and inclusive solid waste management in the Province of Iloilo,” PGENRO said in its call to the public.
Anchored on this year’s theme, #InvestInZeroWaste, the office stressed the urgency of shifting away from single-use practices and strengthening community-based solutions.
“We shine a spotlight on the urgent need to support sustainable solid waste management practices, circular economy solutions, and community-driven action for a cleaner and greener Iloilo,” PGENRO added.
As part of the campaign, the provincial government encouraged residents to make practical lifestyle changes, including using reusable shopping bags, bringing personal lunch boxes and tumblers, opting for stainless steel or bamboo utensils, and avoiding disposable items.
“Choose reusables over disposables — simple swaps, lasting impact,” the provincial government said in a post on its official Facebook page, Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo.
To sustain public engagement, PGENRO lined up a series of activities for the entire month, combining clean-up drives, advocacy campaigns, competitions, and policy discussions:
* January 5 – Opening and kick-off of the month-long celebration through the Barangay Kapitolyo 4Bs Program, including the recognition of the Top 5 Offices in Waste Division
* January 5, 12, 19, and 26 – InvestInZeroWaste Initiative Weekly Campaign and Trivia, featuring province-wide social media posts highlighting solid waste management initiatives, best practices, and innovations of provincial, municipal, and city LGUs
* January 6 – 5Rs Movement and province-wide Limpyu Dalanon
* January 17 – Eco-Wartist (Pinta Draw) Competition, a drum painting contest highlighting environmental themes, waste reduction, and circular economy practices
* January 19–25 – Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan and Food Festival, with solid waste management systems implemented within Barangay Kapitolyo premises and the Iloilo Sports Complex
* January 26 – Eco-Trash Walk at Barangay Kapitolyo, including a cleanup drive and waste audit at the Capitol grounds after the Kasadyahan and Dinagyang Festival
* January 28 – Limpyo Iloilo Stakeholders Summit
Provincial officials said the January campaign is meant to go beyond symbolic observance, positioning Zero Waste Month as a practical test of public discipline and collective responsibility — especially during large-scale celebrations that traditionally strain the province’s waste management systems./PN
