Manila: A partnership between the local government and a waste management company under the European Union-Green Economy Partnership with the Philippines is positioning Iloilo City as a benchmark for urban sustainability and as a pioneer in an Artificial Intelligence-integrated circular economy model.

According to Philippines News Agency, a memorandum of agreement was signed between the Iloilo City Government, represented by Mayor Raisa Trenas, and Rezbin Waste Technology Inc., represented by its co-founder and Iloilo site manager Martin Cornelius Martirez. The project, titled "Closing the Loop: Inclusive and Tech-Enabled Plastic Collection for Sustainable Recycling," was formalized at the city hall.

At no cost to the city government, Rezbins will install 25 strategic stations in Iloilo City, set to be activated in November. The goal is to promote proper waste segregation, increase recycling, and encourage community participation through a technology-enabled, incentive-based recycling system.

'We plan to assign trash bins around the city with our technology wherein the constituents of Iloilo can earn points for properly segregating wastes. Through this, we hope to incentivize people to properly segregate waste. That way, we can also lessen the recyclable wastes we have thrown,' Martirez stated in an interview.

The program aims to empower local junk shops and collectors by enhancing livelihoods and seeks to support at least 7,500 users through its incentive-based and technology-enabled recycling initiative. The Rezbin app allows users to earn points that can be exchanged for rewards or raffles, with over 500 brand partners nationwide already participating.

Illoilo City General Services Office Head Neil Ravena mentioned that a meeting will be held on Thursday for the finalization of the operation. 'We are after the behavioral change. Instead of throwing their waste, they can put it in the station and eventually it will become a habit,' he explained.