The Iloilo Provincial Government, through the PENRO-LGU Iloilo IPG, in partnership with the General Services Office - Province of Iloilo, launched the Day 1 of "Limpyo Eleksyon 2025: Operation Baklas" yesterday, mobilizing teams across all five districts to remove and collect campaign-related waste materials.
The province-wide cleanup drive reflects the provincial government’s commitment to promoting clean and safe elections while reinforcing its thrust for environmental responsibility and sustainable waste management.
During the operation, campaign posters, tarpaulins, banners, flyers, leaflets, and similar election paraphernalia were cleared from public spaces.
These materials were then turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENROs) and deposited at their respective Solid Waste Management (SWM) Centers for a comprehensive waste audit, which aims to determine the volume and types of campaign waste collected.
Initial data showed that over 423 kilograms of campaign materials were gathered in just one day:
• Tarpaulin (Plastic Classification No. 7 – Others): 290.42 kgs
• Plastic Tarps (Flexible Residuals): 118.95 kgs
• Nails, Bamboo Sticks, Metal/Aluminum Wire: 14.14 kgs
More than just cleanup, the activity supports the province’s circular economy advocacy.
Campaign materials with recycling and upcycling potential will be turned over to community-based groups and organizations that can transform them into useful products such as eco-bags (Balik-Alat), pouches, and wallets to provide livelihood opportunities while diverting waste from landfills.
Local Government Units (LGUs) across the province are also expected to roll out their own Operation Baklas initiatives, with some already taking action through the mobilization of Barangay LGUs and collaboration with electoral candidates.
This concerted effort aligns with the province’s goal to minimize the environmental impact of elections, support community-based sustainability efforts, and ensure a cleaner, greener Iloilo.
📷PENRO-LGU Iloilo IPG
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