Iloilo City is positioning itself as the Philippines’ first green Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination with the launch of the “Green Meets Great” campaign, as announced in its 2025 strategic outlook by Mayor Jerry Trenas on October 22.
This bold initiative highlights Iloilo’s commitment to eco-friendly urbanization and sustainable tourism, aiming to make it a top MICE hub in Southeast Asia.
The campaign builds on Iloilo City’s recent accolades, including the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, and its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023. According to Department of Tourism data, Iloilo City welcomed 752,301 tourists in 2022, a figure that increased to 886,283 in 2023, signaling its rising appeal as a destination.
Key elements of the “Green Meets Great” program include the accreditation of energy-efficient establishments and incentives for businesses adopting renewable energy sources. In addition, sustainable practices are being prioritized, such as paperless registration for events, cashless transactions at markets, and restrictions on single-use plastics and styrofoam.
The initiative also emphasizes the city’s existing no-smoking policy, as well as enhanced waste management protocols, particularly for public spaces.
The city’s bike-friendly infrastructure has earned accolades, including the Gold Award for Most Bicycle-Friendly City last year, and is set to further improve under the campaign’s sustainable mobility goals.
Earlier this year, the Department of Energy praised Iloilo City for its successful rollout of the Green Energy Option Program, and in August, the Department of Trade and Industry awarded the city a PHP2-million grant under the Lunsod Lunsad Project.
This grant supports Iloilo City’s creative gastronomic initiatives, which are expected to attract more visitors eager to explore its culinary heritage.
With a vision to become a model of sustainable tourism, Iloilo City’s “Green Meets Great” campaign is set to attract environmentally conscious travelers, solidifying its status as a leader in eco-friendly MICE destinations in the Philippines.
