Iloilo Capitol opens Zero Waste Month

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government formally opened its Zero Waste Month celebration at the Provincial Capitol on Jan. 5, highlighting waste reduction efforts and recognizing offices with the highest waste diversion outputs.

The opening activity featured the awarding of the top five provincial offices that effectively implemented waste diversion strategies aimed at reducing plastic use and minimizing solid waste within government workplaces.

The Provincial Health Office topped the list with 1,382 kilograms of recyclable waste diverted from the waste stream, followed by the Provincial Planning and Development Office with 620.5 kilograms, the Provincial Government Environment and Development Office with 533 kilograms, JPA Iloilo with 427 kilograms, and the Provincial Engineer’s Office with 424 kilograms.

The cited offices were recognized for implementing the 4Bs waste diversion strategy—Basura isulod sa basurahan, bag, bulsa kag botelya—which promotes proper waste segregation and the reduction of single-use plastics.

Certificates of recognition and tokens were awarded by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, and Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Atty. Cesar Emmanuel Buyco.

According to the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Zero Waste Month celebration will feature a series of activities throughout January aimed at strengthening sustainable and inclusive solid waste management practices across the province.

The initiative supports the province’s broader environmental agenda, which aligns with national solid waste management policies encouraging waste diversion, recycling, and reduced dependence on single-use plastics.