Iloilo City marked a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (ISWMF) in Barangay Ingore, La Paz on April 4, 2025. This state-of-the-art project—the first of its kind in the Philippines—signals the city’s strong commitment to sustainable urban development and innovative waste management solutions.
At the heart of this ambitious undertaking is Iloilo City Regulation Ordinance No. 2019-524, known as the Integrated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of Iloilo City, authored by Councilor Atty. Romel Duron. The ordinance lays out a clear and comprehensive framework that enables the city government to enter into joint venture agreements with private entities.
“The joint venture agreements with the government are only possible because of the ordinance,” Duron explained. “I authored the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of Iloilo City, which ensures that private corporations or entities who wish to partner with the city can only do so under a proper legal framework.”
Thanks to this ordinance, the Iloilo City Government was able to secure the partnership with MetPower Venture Partners Holdings Inc., Metro Pacific Water Investments Corp., and Metro Pacific Iloilo Water that led to the development of the ISWMF. With an investment of ₱2.3 billion, the facility will be capable of processing 475 tons of municipal solid waste daily, generating 3.5 megawatts of renewable energy, and producing 163 tons of fuel.
It is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2026, in time for the closure of the city’s existing landfill.
“This project is another strong testament to what we can achieve when we work together with vision and purpose. It reflects our determination to lead Iloilo City toward progress while ensuring that our environment is protected and preserved for future generations. I look forward to the realization of this transformative project and the many benefits it will bring to our city,” Mayor Jerry Treñas said.
Councilor Duron’s visionary leadership through the PPP Code has become a cornerstone of Iloilo City’s approach to modernization. It has not only facilitated the ISWMF project but also encouraged further investments in vital infrastructure through transparent and strategic public-private engagements.
As Iloilo City moves forward with bold initiatives for a cleaner, greener, and more efficient future, the PPP Code stands as a powerful legacy of good governance—ensuring that progress is achieved through responsible legislation and collaborative development.
