Theme: “ᴇᴍᴘᴏᴡᴇʀɪɴɢ ꜱᴜꜱᴛᴀɪɴᴀʙʟᴇ ᴄɪʀᴄᴜʟᴀʀɪᴛʏ ᴡɪᴛʜɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴꜰᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ᴡᴀꜱᴛᴇ ꜱᴇᴄᴛᴏʀ”
As a key event for this year’s Environment Month celebration, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region VI successfully hosted the Solid Waste Management Summit – Capability Enhancement for LGUs 2025.
The summit’s goal was to empower Local Government Units (LGUs) in Western Visayas by enhancing their capacity through collaborations with solid waste management (SWM) service providers, showcasing innovative solutions, and advancing sustainable waste diversion initiatives.
The event commenced with a welcome message from Atty. Ramar Niel V. Pascua, Regional Director of DENR-EMB Region VI, followed by remarks from For. Raul Lorilla, OIC-Regional Director of DENR Region VI, and an inspirational address by Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, Ex-Officio Head of the National Ecology Center (NEC).
The summit was further energized by a keynote speech delivered by Commissioner Atty. Dwight Ramos.
Key Program Highlights:
High-Impact Presentations:
• Engr. Esperanza Sajul provided key updates on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law.
• Engr. Vizminda Osorio, Executive Director of NSWMC, presented national policies and programs on solid waste management.
• Engr. Niel Ravena, Head-GSO Iloilo City, discussed Waste-to-Energy (WtE) initiatives.
• Greencycle Innovative Solutions Inc. highlighted their efforts in EPR implementation.
• Ms. Gwyneth Anne Palmos, President of Greencycle and EU-UNDP, shared insights on integrating climate action with waste management strategies.
• LGU Dao, Capiz showcased successful EPR partnership practices at the local level.
• Guimaras GENRO presented a video on the 3RproMar Project and their plastic-to-chair recycling operations.
Recognition of LGUs and Exemplary Programs:
• Awarded approved 10-Year SWM Plans for outstanding LGUs.
• Recognized best practices in IRISE, EPR partnerships, FASPO/SWM, and Waste-to-Energy (PPP) initiatives.
The presentation of topics and awarding of outstanding LGUs were followed by the Circular Walk, where attendees had the opportunity to interact with SWM service providers, explore innovative technologies, and discuss best practices in waste management.
The summit concluded with a closing remark from For. Vicente Losbañes, Chief, EMED, EMB Region VI with a strong call for partnership, innovation, and sustained local action in advancing effective and inclusive waste management systems.
Via PENRO-LGU Iloilo IPG
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