Iloilo City Powers Up Waste Management Through Project AGUBAY

Facing more than 314 metric tons of waste generated every day, nearly 40 percent of which is plastic, Iloilo City is stepping up its response to an escalating waste challenge.

To support long-term solutions across all 180 barangays, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. (CCFPI), Central Philippine University (CPU), and the Iloilo City Government have launched Project AGUBAY, a pioneering data-driven Solid Waste Management Information System (SWM-IS).

Derived from the Ilonggo word meaning to support, to guide, to help, AGUBAY also stands for Awareness, Guidance, Unity, Biodiversity, Action, and Yield, a mission anchored in community empowerment and sustainable waste action.

A Timely Push for Smarter Waste Solutions

With nearly half a million residents and 26 barangays located in riverine and coastal areas, Iloilo City’s waterways have long been vulnerable to pollution. The rise of single-use plastics during the pandemic, coupled with outdated collection systems and non-operational material recovery facilities (MRFs), further strained the city’s waste management capacity.

“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 Philippines Inc. “By investing in digital tools and community empowerment, Project AGUBAY proves how collaboration among business, academia, and local government can turn sustainability goals into real progress.”

Real-Time Data for Smarter Decisions

At the center of Project AGUBAY is the Solid Waste Management Information System (SWM-IS), a centralized digital platform designed to help barangays and city offices make faster, informed decisions. The system enables them to:

• Develop and update Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management (BESWM) Programs in 152 barangays
• Build a centralized city-wide SWM database for stronger monitoring and governance
• Improve segregation, collection, and diversion through Barangay Material Recovery System (BMRS) equipment
• Train barangay leaders and city stakeholders in sustainable waste practices

“Each barangay has unique waste challenges. With real-time data, we can design solutions that truly reflect community needs, saving time and strengthening accountability,” said Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante, Project Team Lead from CPU.

Building Digital Skills and Stronger Partnerships Through the SWM-IS training sessions, barangay officials are now equipped to track and electronically report their waste management programs. This digital shift allows the City General Services Office to respond swiftly to barangay concerns, paving the way for improved coordination and more transparent governance.

With barangays now better equipped to plan and report waste initiatives, Iloilo City is building a stronger foundation for scalable, long-term environmental programs.

A Model for Other Cities in the Philippines

Project AGUBAY is expected to be formally turned over to the Iloilo City Government by January 2026 to ensure its continuity and integration beyond the grant period. As barangays enhance digital literacy and adapt the system to their needs, the project has the potential to serve as a model for other cities aiming to modernize their waste management systems.

“This program reflects Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.’s commitment to collective action—supporting improved collection and recycling infrastructure and helping local barangays strengthen waste collection, sorting, and recycling,” the foundation shared.

For more information on Coca-Cola’s sustainability efforts, visit the company’s official site.