ILOILO – To ramp up local environmental protection efforts, the provincial government has awarded a total of P10 million in financial assistance to the municipalities of Pavia and Barotac Viejo to enhance their solid waste management systems.
The grant, distributed by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., will fund the purchase of waste management support facilities, including garbage compactors — equipment crucial in streamlining waste collection and processing in these rapidly growing municipalities.
“Beyond managing garbage, this is about building cleaner, more sustainable communities,” Defensor said during the turnover ceremony.
He emphasized that effective waste management is central to the province’s long-term goal of environmental sustainability and public health improvement.
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Jolepe Suerte received the check on behalf of Pavia, while re-elected Mayor Nielo Tupas accepted the assistance for Barotac Viejo. They were joined by Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr., head of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office.
The initiative is part of Iloilo’s wider strategy to empower local governments in adopting the 5Rs of waste management — reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose, and rot — by providing not only technical support but also necessary infrastructure investments.
By enabling local governments to manage solid waste efficiently, the provincial government hopes to lessen environmental degradation and encourage grassroots participation in climate-resilient practices./PN
