Iloilo City collects 600 tons of storm waste

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Heavy rains and storm surges from two successive storms left Iloilo City grappling with more than 600 tons of waste, prompting the city government to deploy heavy equipment for cleanup and drainage clearing.

General Services Office (GSO) chief Engr. Neil Ravena said on Monday that post-Typhoon Tino clearing operations led to the collection of over 600 tons of waste, including uprooted trees removed from city roads.

During Supertyphoon Uwan, Ravena added that most of the debris came from the coastal barangays of Fort San Pedro and Sto. Niño Sur, where strong waves dumped large volumes of sand, driftwood, and trees onto roads.

“We noticed that the sand went up on the road, and we need heavy equipment because if we don’t remove it, it will clog the drainage system,” he said.

He estimated that 5 to 10 tons of waste have already been collected, with the total volume expected to reach 10 to 20 tons once clearing is completed.

Ravena said two GSO trucks were dispatched to the affected areas for the cleanup.

“The storm surge caused large waves that reached the other side of the road,” he added.

Collected materials are being segregated, with reusable wood distributed to households, sand returned to the sea, and plastic waste properly disposed of.