Iloilo City Breaks Ground on Landmark Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility: A National Model for Sustainable Urban Development

Iloilo City has broken ground on what is set to become one of the country’s most advanced Integrated Solid Waste Management Facilities (ISWMF)—a pioneering project that blends environmental responsibility, energy innovation, and public-private cooperation.

Jonji P. Madara, President of Iloilo Waste Recovery Joint Venture Corp. and MetPower, briefs DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on the operations of the upcoming Iloilo Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility during its groundbreaking ceremony on April 4, 2025. | Photo: MetPower Venture Partners Holdings, Inc.

Led by MetPower, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), in strategic partnership with the Iloilo City Government, the facility marks a critical turning point in the region’s efforts to address mounting waste, growing landfill dependency, and environmental pollution.

When completed, the ISWMF will be capable of processing 475 tons of municipal solid waste daily, generating 3.5 megawatts of renewable energy, and producing 163 tons of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) each day for industrial use.

“For years, Iloilo has struggled with mounting waste, increasing landfill dependency, and environmental pollution,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas during the groundbreaking ceremony. “This facility is a sustainable solution. It will not only keep our city clean but also create jobs, provide cleaner energy, and support local industries. This is the future of waste management, and we are proud to lead the way.”

A Bold Blueprint for Sustainability

Situated on a 3.6-hectare site in Barangay Ingore, the facility is more than a waste-processing plant—it is a visionary step toward integrated environmental resilience.

Central to its operations is a biogas-powered anaerobic digestion system that will supply renewable energy to critical infrastructure, including Metro Pacific Water’s 65 MLD desalination plant.

The facility also houses an RDF production line that transforms waste into alternative fuel, helping industries reduce dependence on coal and other fossil fuels.

“By diverting waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions while at the same time generating power to secure safe and sustainable water supply, the ISWMF shows how integrated environmental solutions are possible through commitment, technical excellence, innovation, public-private partnerships, and visionary leadership,” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.

Private Capital, Public Good

The project is being rolled out through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)—a model hailed by experts as a win-win strategy for tackling long-standing municipal challenges without overwhelming the local government’s fiscal resources.

“We are committed to investing in infrastructure that not only addresses immediate needs but also creates long-term value for generations to come,” said MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. “The Iloilo City Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility represents a milestone in how cities and the private sector can work together to solve complex challenges—cleanly, efficiently, and inclusively. It is our hope that this becomes a national model for transformative development.”

The economic upside of the ISWMF is just as compelling. Beyond creating hundreds of local jobs, the project generates cost savings for the city, revenue streams from energy and RDF sales, and long-term reductions in landfill expansion and fossil fuel use.

“This is not just an environmental initiative—it’s a smart economic investment,” emphasized June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla, MPIC’s Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer. “By repurposing waste into power and fuel, we are lowering costs for the city, creating revenue streams, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.”

Iloilo's Rise as a Green Infrastructure Hub

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Landfills across the Philippines—including Iloilo’s own Calajunan facility—are nearing capacity.

Unsegregated waste, flooding from clogged waterways, and escalating greenhouse gas emissions continue to plague local governments, many of which lack the funding or technical capability to overhaul their waste systems.

“This facility is more than just a waste processing plant—it’s a model for how cities can embrace sustainable waste management solutions,” said Jonji Madara, President and CEO of MetPower. “By integrating advanced waste processing technologies, we are addressing environmental challenges while creating economic value for Iloilo and its people.”

The facility is expected to be operational by December 2026, setting a precedent for other highly urbanized cities grappling with similar waste management woes.

A National Imperative

The Philippine solid waste crisis demands urgent structural solutions. ISWMFs offer a credible, scalable answer.

These facilities cut landfill dependency, reduce emissions (by up to 129,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent annually), and improve flood resilience by minimizing waste blockages in drainage systems.

To replicate Iloilo City’s success nationwide, experts point to key enablers: adoption of modern waste-to-energy technologies, interlocal government cooperation, and incentive-driven policies that attract private sector investment.

Indeed, the Iloilo City ISWMF is more than a local milestone—it is a bold signal that innovation, political will, and partnership can unlock a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Philippines.