Iloilo City broke ground on an integrated solid waste management facility in partnership with MetPower, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).
The facility will process 475 tons of municipal solid waste daily, generate 3.5 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy and produce 163 tons of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for industrial applications.
“For years, Iloilo has struggled with mounting waste, increasing landfill dependency, and environmental pollution,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said.
“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,” said Treñas.
Located on a 3.6-hectare site in Barangay Ingore, the ISWMF aims to reduce landfill use, cut methane emissions, and convert waste into resources. The project is structured as a public-private partnership (PPP).
“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,” Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said.
MPIC chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said the company is committed to investing in infrastructure that addresses immediate needs and creates long-term value.
“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,” Pangilinan said.
MPIC chief finance, risk and sustainability officer June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla said the project is a “smart economic investment.”
“By repurposing waste into power and fuel, we are lowering costs for the city, creating revenue streams, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This private-public partnership project creates lasting benefits for our country and our planet,” Cabal-Revilla said.
The anaerobic digestion biogas plant within the ISWMF will supply renewable power to critical infrastructure, including Metro Pacific Water’s 65 million liters per day desalination plant, while the RDF production facility will provide industries with an alternative fuel.
“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 chief executive of MetPower.
“By integrating advanced waste processing technologies, we are addressing environmental challenges while creating economic value for Iloilo and its people. We are proud to work alongside our partners to make this vision a reality,” Madara said.
The ISWMF is expected to begin operations by December 2026.
