TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. led a delegation from the Iloilo Provincial Government (IPG) in a meeting with officials from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on June 10, 2026, at the TESDA Central Office to discuss a potential partnership on rice husk valorization and skills development.
The initiative aligns with the province's MoRProGRes Program on waste management and the promotion of a circular economy. Discussions focused on transforming rice husks, a major agricultural by-product, into value-added products as part of Iloilo's goal of becoming a zero-waste province.
During the meeting, five viable pathways for utilizing rice husks were presented: rice husk ash (RHA) pozzolan production, composting and vermiculture, briquetting, animal bedding, and particle board manufacturing. These technologies offer practical and economical solutions to the accumulation of rice husks in rice mill areas while generating new livelihood and business opportunities.
Iloilo produces an estimated 80,000 metric tons of rice husks annually, making the province a strong candidate for establishing processing industries that convert agricultural waste into marketable products.
Governor Defensor expressed confidence in the province's capability to support the initiative.
“We have the funds, and we have the raw materials,” he said, underscoring Iloilo's readiness to pursue investments in rice husk processing and circular economy enterprises.
The proposed collaboration is expected to complement the Supporting Innovation in the Philippines Technical and Vocational Education and Training System (SIPTVETS) Project, a joint undertaking between TESDA and ADB aimed at modernizing the country's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
For the Regional Training Center (RTC) Iloilo in Region VI, priority sectors under the project include metals and engineering, including agricultural machinery and equipment. The initiative will strengthen technical skills development while supporting emerging industries related to agricultural waste utilization.
Joining Governor Defensor at the meeting were Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Dennis Ventilacion, Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) Head Atty. Caesar Emmanuel Buyco, Acting Provincial Agriculturist Felina Grace Basco, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO) Head Aulynn Yue Sin, and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Head Dr. Cynthia Dario.
The partnership highlights Iloilo's commitment to sustainable development by transforming agricultural by-products into economic opportunities, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing the local workforce's skills through innovation-driven programs.
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