The Department of Natural Resources and the European Union recently launched the Green Economy Programme in the Philippines (GEPP), a P3.67 billion program that aims to reduce waste and combat climate change by improving waste management and supporting the country’s transition to a circular economy, which is the model for production and consumption that minimizes waste and extends the life cycle of products.
Additionally, the program also seeks to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies and enhance energy efficiency measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world that also faces a significant plastic waste problem, the Philippines should benefit from such a program.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron said that the five-year initiative will enhance the capacity of the Philippines to live up to climate commitments, such as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Under the pledge, the Philippines aims to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2030. However, a significant portion of this ambitious commitment relies on foreign funding and assistance.
GEPP is designed to work with all levels of government and the private sector. A policy dialogue platform will be established at the national level to facilitate the formulation of policies, support the development of a natural circular economy roadmap, and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
By 2028, it will recycle and reintegrate into productive chains around 20,000 tons of plastic waste and have at least 30 LGUs implement separate collection systems for plastic waste and recycling. The program also aims to create better conditions for investment and support waste reduction strategies and circular solutions for micro, small and medium enterprises. It is also expected to support the creation of around 2,500 green jobs in businesses linked to the circular economy model.
The Philippine government has long been using the convenient excuse of the lack of foreign aid and funds to justify climate inaction. Hopefully, a program such as GEPP will be enough to get the ball rolling and keep us on the right track to be able to do more to contribute to the global effort to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the environment.*
