In advancing sustainable waste management, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas met with representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Philippines) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) to present the progress of Project Agubay at the GSO Office in Veterans Village on October 1, 2026.
Project Agubay, implemented by Central Philippine University in partnership with the city government and supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation, has enabled barangays to track real-time and online monitoring of garbage diversion at the household and community level.
As of October 1, 2026, the project reported a target recyclable collection of 14.47%, with total waste collection reaching 1,967,994.67 kilograms. The average waste collected per barangay was 39,359.89 kilograms, with metal identified as the top waste type.
Mayor Treñas emphasized Iloilo City’s commitment to circular economy initiatives during the partnership visit.
She explained that the city now has reliable data to guide segregation and recycling, and stressed the need to standardize materials recovery facilities across districts to strengthen waste diversion. Treñas noted that almost all barangays are compliant with MRFs, but sizes vary, and standardization will allow the city to reuse, recycle, and sell materials more effectively.
The mayor also highlighted that Iloilo City’s waste per capita is 1.2 compared to the international average of 0.9, pointing out that proper segregation can lower this figure. She affirmed that the city’s long-term goal is to reduce plastics and establish a strong model of circular economy that can serve as an example for other cities.
Joining the city mayor were City General Services Officer Engr. Neil Ravena, and partners in waste management including Justine’s Recycling, RezBin, and other stakeholders.
The UNDP-TCCF delegation included UNDP Resident Representative Christophe Bahuet, Coca-Cola Foundation President Carlos Pagoaga, Senior Director for Recycling Value Chains Jeff Denby, Director for Packaging Sustainability Umesh Madhavan, Senior Director for Global Human Rights Janhavi Naibu, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Ma. Cristina “Ting” Cabalza, Program and Finance Manager Manny Balcita, and Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Misha Rabat.
While seven barangays including East Baluarte, Tanza Esperanza, San Rafael, Bolilao, Buntatala, and Ingore, shared their experiences in using Project Agubay to strengthen waste diversion practices in their communities. Barangay officials highlighted how the platform has helped them monitor garbage collection and segregation more effectively at the local level.
The PH Plastics Circularity Project is implemented by UNDP Philippines with support from The Coca-Cola Foundation. It is part of a regional initiative across nine countries in Asia that aims to tackle the growing challenge of plastic waste pollution and support the transition to a circular economy.
By strengthening local waste management systems, empowering the informal waste sector, promoting inclusive business models, and driving behavioral change, the project reduces plastic leakage into the environment while improving livelihoods and advancing circular economy practices in the Philippines. (Photo by S. Bacinillo/Iloilo City PIO)
