ILOILO – The provincial government joined fellow stakeholders across Western Visayas in advancing sustainable waste management practices at the 2025 Solid Waste Management Summit, highlighting the informal waste sector’s role in building a circular economy.
Held in line with Environment Month and organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 6, the summit aimed to bolster the capabilities of local government units (LGUs) in implementing innovative waste diversion programs and improving environmental outcomes.
With the theme “Empowering Sustainable Circularity within the Informal Waste Sector,” the summit gathered LGUs, waste service providers, national agencies, and private sector partners to explore collaborative solutions to pressing solid waste management challenges.
DENR-EMB Region 6 director Atty. Ramar Niel Pascua welcomed participants and underscored the urgency of collective action.
Commissioner Dwight Ramos delivered the keynote address, calling for “innovative policies and dynamic partnerships” to enable sustainability through circular economy principles.
Among the program highlights were high-impact presentations on national and local strategies:
* Engr. Esperanza Sajul gave key updates on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law;
* NSWMC executive director Engr. Vizminda Osorio outlined evolving national waste management policies;
* Engr. Niel Ravena of the Iloilo City General Services Office discussed Waste-to-Energy (WtE) initiatives;
* Greencycle Innovative Solutions Inc. presented their EPR compliance model and climate action linkages;
* LGU Dao, Capiz shared successful EPR public-private partnership practices;
* Guimaras Provincial Environment Office showcased their plastic-to-chair recycling under the 3RproMar project.
LGUs with approved 10-year SWM plans were recognized, alongside model initiatives in EPR, Information and Recycling for Inclusive Sustainable Economies (IRISE), WtE partnerships, and Financial Assistance to Solid Waste Management Programs (FASPO/SWM).
A “Circular Walk” capped the event, allowing attendees to interact with SWM solution providers and exchange best practices.
In his closing message, EMB Region 6 Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division Chief Vicente Losbañes stressed the need for stronger multi-sectoral cooperation and grassroots innovation to transform waste into resources and achieve environmental sustainability./PN
