Iloilo City has launched a new initiative to reduce waterway pollution by installing fishnet waste traps in creeks and drainage outlets. The General Services Office (GSO) identified key hotspots, such as Dungon Creek, Nabitasan waterways, and Batiano River, that contribute the most solid waste to the Iloilo River. The traps aim to intercept trash, ranging from household garbage to discarded appliances, before it reaches open water.
City officials say the traps will not only catch solid waste but also help pinpoint which areas are the most problematic in terms of illegal dumping. This data will be used to guide future cleanup efforts and enforcement measures. The initiative reflects Iloilo’s broader commitment to sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship.
Stricter Enforcement for Barangay Compliance
To tackle the source of the problem, city officials are cracking down on barangays found dumping waste into waterways. The GSO is mapping 18 villages along riverbanks and 26 coastal barangays, and is prepared to issue violation notices, summon officials, and enforce penalties for non-compliance.
"We want to expand the behavioral study to at least 36 barangays. One glaring issue is that some residents still find it more convenient to throw waste out their windows," said GSO Chief Niel Ravena in an interview.
According to the GSO, daily cleanup efforts now retrieve over 700?kg of solid waste from drainage systems, a sharp increase from around 300?kg just weeks ago. The city plans to install an additional 10 waste traps at key drainage points, bringing the total to at least 12 to strengthen its defense against rising pollution levels.
A Purpose-Driven Initiative
Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized that while the traps are effective short-term solutions, long-term waste management depends on community cooperation. Information campaigns and stronger barangay oversight are being rolled out to promote responsible disposal habits and discourage illegal dumping.
This comprehensive strategy, which combines physical traps, policy enforcement, and public education, aims not just to clean up Iloilo’s waterways but also to create a more sustainable and environmentally aware urban community.
