Metro Pacific Investment Corporation’s subsidiary MetPower Venture Partners, in partnership with the Iloilo City Government, has started building the Iloilo City Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (ISWMF) and expects to start operations by December next year.
In a statement, MPIC said the ISWMF is expected to set a new standard for waste management, renewable energy, and sustainability in the Philippines.
The facility will process 475 tons of municipal solid waste per day, generate 3.5 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, and produce 163 tons of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) daily for industrial applications.
"For years, Iloilo has struggled with mounting waste, increasing landfill dependency, and environmental pollution," said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
He noted that, "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."
Located on a 3.6-hectare site in Brgy. Ingore, the ISWMF is set to revolutionize waste management by reducing landfill use, cutting methane emissions, and converting waste into valuable resources.
The project is structured as a public-private partnership (PPP), ensuring both financial and environmental sustainability.
“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.” said Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.
MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said “We are committed to investing in infrastructure that not only addresses immediate needs but also creates long-term value for generations to come.
“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.”
Beyond environmental impact, the facility is also designed for economic viability. "This is not just an environmental initiative—it’s a smart economic investment," MPIC’s Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer, June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla.
She added that, "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.”
The anaerobic digestion biogas plant within the ISWMF will supply renewable power to critical infrastructure, including Metro Pacific Water’s 65 MLD 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 MetPower President and CEO Jonji Madara.
He added that, "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."