Metro Manila - On 21 October 2024, the European Union Green Economy Programme of the Philippines (GEPP) SO2 Green LGUs Project held its first Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (IATWG) meeting. 

This meeting brought together key government agencies and technical parters committed to enhancing circular economy across local government units (LGUs). Participants included the European Union, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH), and Expertise France. 

Funded by the European Union and implemented by DILG and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the SO2 Green LGUs Project aims to enhance circular economy practices by the LGUs in collaboration with the private sector and the civil society with focus on youth and gender equality. This project further addresses climate challenges and promotes sustainable practices, emphasizing the vital role of LGUs in driving the green economy transition and achieving national sustainable development goals.

During the TWG meeting, participants exchanged valuable insights highlighting the importance of enhancing cooperation in capacity building, resource sharing, and linkages with existing plans and programs of the Philippine government under the leadership of DENR and with existing efforts in EU. 

As the SO2 Green LGUs Project progresses, this collaborative approach will be instrumental in creating a unified framework for circular economy and sustainable development, ensuring that all stakeholders work together to foster circular economy friendly communities.

Funded by a €60 million (P3.67 billion) grant from the European Union, the Green Economy Programme of the Philippines (GEPP) will run from 2023-2028 in collaboration with the national government, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector. The Programme links European and Filipino partners to foster a circular economy and the reduction of plastic waste. It also aims to improve energy efficiency, promote renewable energy use and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Using a whole-of-nation approach, the programme is focused on sustainable and inclusive growth through investments, technology transfer, and job creation. GEPP is implemented by UNDP Philippines, Germany’s development agency GIZ, Expertise France with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group.  [E]