ILOILO CITY—Home to nearly half a million residents, this city faces a growing waste crisis, generating more than 314 metric tons of waste daily—nearly 40 percent of which is plastic.
To address this urgent challenge, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. (CCFPI), Central Philippine University (CPU) and the Iloilo City government have launched Project AGUBAY, a first of its kind data-driven Solid Waste Management Information System (SWM-IS) covering 180 barangays.
The project’s name, AGUBAY—derived from the Ilonggo word meaning “to support,” to guide, to help—also stands for Awareness, Guidance, Unity, Biodiversity, Action, and Yield.
It reflects its mission of empowering communities with tools and knowledge to create more sustainable waste solutions.
Iloilo City’s waterways and coastal areas have long been vulnerable to plastic pollution, worsened by the surge in single-use plastics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With nearly half a million residents across 180 barangays, including 26 situated in riverine and coastal areas, inefficient collection systems and non-functional material recovery facilities (MRFs) have left waterways vulnerable to pollution.
“This project aims to ensure no barangay is left behind in the city’s fight against waste,” said Cecile Alcantara, president of Coca-Cola Foundation.
“By investing in digital tools and community empowerment, Project AGUBAY shows how collaboration between business, academia, and local government can turn sustainability goals into real, on-the-ground progress.”
At the heart of Project AGUBAY is SWM-IS—a centralized digital platform that generates real-time reports to help barangays and the city government formulate and update Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management (BESWM) Programs in 152 barangays.
It seeks to build a centralized SWM database for stronger city-wide monitoring and governance.
It will deploy Barangay Material Recovery System (BMRS) equipment to improve segregation, collection, and diversion.
It will also train barangay leaders and city stakeholders in implementing sustainable waste solutions.
“Each barangay has unique waste challenges. With real-time data, we can design solutions that truly fit community needs—saving time, resources, and strengthening accountability,” said Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante, project team leader from CPU.
Through the SWM-IS, barangay officials are now equipped to track and electronically report their waste management programs, while the City General Services Office can respond more quickly to barangay needs. This digital shift promotes stronger accountability, transparency, and collaboration across the city.
Barangay officials from Iloilo City undergo digital training to familiarize themselves with the SWM IS, equipping them with tools to track, report, and improve waste management practices in their communities.
