Iloilo City Strengthens Waste Management Strategies
The local government of Iloilo City is intensifying its waste management efforts by installing fishnet-based waste traps in creek and drainage outfalls. This initiative aims to curb the increasing volume of garbage that clogs the city’s waterways. These fishnet waste traps are a practical solution to reduce solid waste entering key rivers and creeks, tackling pollution at its source.
Neil Ravena, head of the General Services Office (GSO), shared on June 16 that the project targets major pollution hotspots along the Iloilo and Batiano rivers. The initial installations are set in Dungon Creek and the Nabitasan outfall, areas identified through field assessments as major contributors to waterway pollution. Waste items such as discarded televisions and refrigerators have been traced back to these locations.
Targeting Pollution Hotspots Effectively
Ravena noted that cleanup operations along the Batiano River alone have already removed approximately 900 kilograms of mixed waste. Meanwhile, the Iloilo River, especially near Sunset Boulevard, remains a significant concern for the GSO due to severe pollution levels. The team is closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing interventions in these critical zones.
Currently, 18 barangays along the Iloilo River and 26 coastal villages fall under GSO surveillance. The city government plans to engage barangay officials in dialogues to strengthen the enforcement of existing waste disposal laws. To push for better compliance, the GSO is also considering seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Expanding Community Studies and Enforcement
Earlier this year, the city partnered with international and academic organizations to conduct a behavioral study on solid waste management practices in 18 barangays. However, this research covered only a small portion of the city’s 180 villages. Ravena emphasized the urgent need to broaden the study’s scope to gain a more comprehensive understanding of waste disposal habits.
Plans are underway to expand the study to at least 36 barangays. This expansion aims to identify habitual dumping behaviors and develop effective strategies to change them. Ravena highlighted a persistent problem: “One glaring issue is that some residents still find it more convenient to throw waste out their windows.” Such habits contribute significantly to waterway pollution.
Enhancing Waste Management Infrastructure
To bolster its waste response, the city is considering establishing a dedicated solid waste management division within the GSO. This unit would focus on real-time monitoring of garbage collection systems to quickly detect problem areas and implement timely solutions. This proactive approach is expected to improve overall efficiency and reduce environmental hazards.
Through these combined efforts—installing fishnet waste traps, expanding behavioral studies, enforcing regulations, and strengthening organizational capacity—Iloilo City is making significant strides toward cleaner waterways and a healthier environment.
For more news and updates on Iloilo City waste management, visit Filipinokami.com.