Iloilo City Earns Prestigious UN Recognition as a Global Zero Waste Leader
Iloilo City has achieved a significant environmental milestone by being named one of the inaugural "20 Cities Towards Zero Waste." This prestigious initiative is spearheaded by the United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Zero Waste, with robust support from UN-Habitat and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The announcement was made in anticipation of the International Day of Zero Waste, observed annually on March 30, celebrating cities that exhibit ambitious and innovative strategies to minimize waste, promote circular economy models, and foster sustainable, resilient communities.
A Global Honor for Local Environmental Stewardship
Iloilo City stands among only 20 cities worldwide selected for this global recognition, representing diverse regions across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. From the Philippines, it is joined by the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, highlighting the nation's growing commitment to environmental sustainability. Mayor Raisa Treñas expressed profound elation over this achievement, describing the city's inclusion as a monumental success for the Ilonggo community. She emphasized the city's unwavering dedication to progressive environmental policies, implemented step by step through continuous programs focused on waste reduction, circular economy advancement, and building a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban environment.
"We face challenges in implementing these initiatives, but as long as we work together to protect our environment, our efforts will undoubtedly succeed," Mayor Treñas added, underscoring the importance of community collaboration. According to UNEP data, the world generates over 2.1 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, making the role of cities in addressing the waste crisis critical for mitigating impacts on climate, biodiversity, public health, and livelihoods.
Objectives and Impact of the Zero Waste Initiative
The "20 Cities Towards Zero Waste" initiative aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Recognize and celebrate city leadership and innovation in waste management.
- Facilitate the exchange of best practices and lessons learned among global cities.
- Inspire other municipalities worldwide to take decisive environmental action.
- Support the implementation of circular economy approaches at the local level.
Despite ongoing challenges in solid waste management, Iloilo City was lauded for its active and effective programs. These include comprehensive waste segregation systems, efficient management of biodegradable waste, robust promotion of reuse and recycling initiatives, and strong community engagement efforts designed to encourage lasting behavioral change.
José Manuel Moller, deputy chair of the UN Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Zero Waste, praised the selected cities, stating that they demonstrate zero waste is not merely a theoretical concept but an achievable goal through concrete actions and widespread community participation. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted that solutions to pollution and waste present transformative opportunities for economies through innovation and circularity, while commending the persistent efforts of local governments, the private sector, and communities. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rosbach added that cities are at the forefront of the zero-waste transition, as they directly manage waste systems and influence consumption patterns and local economies.
Aligning with Global Sustainable Development Goals
This initiative strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The selected cities, including Iloilo City, will be formally recognized and showcased on global platforms to highlight their best practices, aiming to inspire communities worldwide to adopt similar sustainable measures.
Following this recognition, the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI commended Iloilo City for its outstanding achievement. "As one of only 20 cities worldwide, Iloilo City stands as a model of local governance that responds to global challenges—demonstrating how cities can take the lead in addressing the waste crisis and its impacts on climate, public health, and the environment," the DILG stated.
Previous Accolades and Pioneering Initiatives
Earlier this year, Iloilo City was recognized as one of the Philippines' local government units with exceptional practices in implementing sustainable solid waste management, in compliance with Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) conferred this award during the 25th anniversary of RA 9003, with Iloilo City being the sole local government unit in Western Visayas to receive this national honor.
According to General Services Office (GSO) head Engr. Neil Ravena, one of the city's notable initiatives is the organization of waste pickers in Barangay Calahunan, Mandurriao into the Uswag Calahunan Livelihood Association (UCLA) in 2009. This group operates within a centralized material recovery facility, focusing on recycling and resource recovery activities. Starting as a grassroots effort, it has grown to approximately 240 members, evolving into a model of inclusive, community-driven environmental stewardship. The UCLA, in partnership with the GSO's Solid Waste Management Division, was also recognized at the EMB's Gawad Kabalikat sa Kapaligiran 2026.
Innovative Waste Management Solutions
The city has also embarked on innovative and sustainable solutions for comprehensive waste management, including the establishment of the Iloilo Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (ISWMF), the first of its kind in the Philippines. Once fully operational, the ISWMF is projected to drastically reduce the city's landfilling requirements, cutting down mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) from 475 tons per day (TPD) to just 25 TPD of residual waste.
Another key initiative is Project Agubay, a collaborative effort with Coca-Cola and Central Philippine University. This project aims to establish a real-time, online waste tracking system—from source segregation at the barangay level to end-point processing—ensuring traceability of plastic waste and enhancing accountability in waste management.
International Recognition and Future Outlook
Iloilo City has garnered multiple international recognitions affirming its commitment to environmental sustainability. For the second time, the city earned the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, reinforcing its people-centered approach to maintaining clean, safe, and attractive public spaces. Additionally, Iloilo City was named a Role Model City by the UNEP and the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center for its efforts in ecosystem restoration and the implementation of nature-based solutions in urban areas.
As urban populations continue to expand globally, these accolades underscore the vital role of local governments like Iloilo City in leading the transition toward a cleaner, more circular, and zero-waste future. Through persistent innovation and community engagement, Iloilo City sets a powerful example for cities worldwide in the fight against waste and environmental degradation.
