Under the wide roof of the San Juan Covered Court, piles of sorted waste, data sheets, and busy hands marked the start of a crucial environmental activity for Iriga as the city officially launched its five day Waste Analysis and Characterization Study, or WACS, on January 13, 2026. The activity, which runs until January 17, is being carried out by members of the Solid Waste Management Board Technical Working Group from the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator, the City Engineer’s Office, and the Iriga City Environment and Natural Resources Office, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau.
All 36 barangays are actively participating in the study, with the full support of their barangay councils and solid waste management committees, showing a strong citywide commitment to improving waste management practices. Through WACS, Iriga is taking a science based approach to understanding what the city throws away every day by measuring the total volume of waste generated and identifying its composition from households and commercial establishments.
The data gathered will be used to develop and update the city’s 10 year Solid Waste Management Plan, ensuring that facilities, programs, and investments are guided by accurate and reliable information. The study will also help determine the size, capacity, and design of waste management facilities, evaluate which materials can be recycled or composted, and assess the effectiveness of existing waste reduction, diversion, and recycling initiatives.
By identifying potential sources of environmental pollution within the waste stream, WACS will allow the city to address concerns before they become larger problems. With technical experts and barangay partners working side by side, Iriga continues to take meaningful steps toward cleaner communities and a more sustainable future for every Irigueño.
Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga