LGUs are seen as the frontrunners in driving change at the community level. They are hotbeds for innovative solutions for future-proof circularity and multiplier effects with their policy, entrepreneurial and fiscal autonomy. 

“It is great to see LGUs dedicated to accelerating local circular actions as their contribution to the green economy trajectory of the country. The EU is ready to support you on this way and we look forward to establishing many new partnerships under this Global Gateway Flagship,” said Christoph Wagner, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines. 

Accelerating the transition to circular economy at the local level comes from the recognition that clean-ups and traditional waste management practices are no longer sufficient to address the triple planetary crisis posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Circular economy is founded on the belief that a truly sustainable pathway begins with a re-examination of how production and consumption can be made circular, to replace the wasteful take-make-use-dispose linear model. 

UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran further noted that: “This event marks the beginning of the strengthened cooperation with LGUs to advance the transition to a circular economy. We thank the EU, as well as DENR, DILG and other stakeholders for making this endeavor happen.”

The workshop is the first of a series of activities for Green LGUs project team and partners to co-design innovative ideas suited to each local situation. The activity likewise highlights the significant, yet often untapped resources, expertise and passion of our non-LGU stakeholders such as the youth, women’s groups, CSOs, informal waste sector, MSMEs, obliged enterprises, national government agencies, and other champions to explore greater partnership opportunities with LGUs and each other.