More than a year after its launch, the EU–Philippines Green Economy Partnership is generating early results in supporting Local Government Units (LGUs) to adopt circular economy strategies. The initiative, implemented under Specific Objective 2 (Green LGUs), began with 10 pilot cities and municipalities and is now expanding to additional locations nationwide.
Initial efforts focused on translating the concept of circular economy into practical, locally relevant strategies. National agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), have provided strong policy backing, enabling LGUs to integrate circular approaches into climate resilience, waste management, and sustainable development planning.
Cities such as Quezon City and Pasig are applying circular solutions to address flooding linked to plastic waste and food waste management challenges, while tourism- and agriculture-driven areas are exploring circular food systems and green tourism models. Local leadership and stakeholder co-creation have emerged as key drivers of progress.
The program adopts a portfolio approach, combining policy reform, behavioral change initiatives, business model support, and enabling infrastructure. Inclusion remains central, engaging women, youth, informal sector workers, and Indigenous Peoples as active contributors.
Funded by a EUR 60 million (USD 70.1 million) EU grant from 2023 to 2028, the partnership aims to move from pilot projects toward scaled, institutionalized circular economy solutions across up to 60 Philippine cities, mobilizing private-sector participation and green financing to ensure long-term impact.
(Source: UNDP Philippines)
