LocationsNext ten LGUs join the European Union–Philippines Green Economy Partnership
August 31, 2025
Representatives of the collaborating LGUs under the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership L-R: Elpidio Fermin, City Councilor of San Carlos; Eddie Abugan Jr., DENR Division Chief; Anna Bonagua, DILG Director, Tsvetomir Svilenov, EU Programme Manager; Marco Gemmer, EU Head of Cooperation, Lucy Torres-Gomez, City Mayor of Ormoc; Alfredo Corro II, Municipal Mayor of Del Carmen, Benjamin Magalong, City Mayor of Baguio; Lillian De Leon, DILG Assistant Secretary, Moeko Saito-Jensen, EU-PH Green Economy Partnership SO2 Project Manager; Richard Gomez, 4th District of Leyte Representative; Nacional Mercado, Maasin City Administrator
Pasig City, Philippines – The European Union (EU) and Government of the Philippines formally welcomed the next ten (10) Local Government Units (LGUs) into the EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership on 27 August 2025.
'The European Union-Philippines Green Economy Partnership supports innovative solutions to address environmental challenges at local level that will improve the lives of the people in the Philippines and create green jobs. Just last week we have celebrated important achievements in the first ten LGUs of this Partnership and their collaboration with Civil Society and the private sector. Today, we welcome the next ten LGUs in the partnership and count on their commitment, knowledge, and innovation. The Philippine people can count on our experience in Europe, and we are here as Team Europe to support Philippine solutions,' said Dr. Marco Gemmer, Head of the Cooperation Section at the Delegation of the EU to the Philippines, during the event.
The Green Economy Partnership takes action across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The new partners are San Carlos City (Pangasinan), Ilagan City (Isabela), San Jose del Monte City (Bulacan), Bacoor City (Cavite), Sorsogon City (Sorsogon), Maasin City (Southern Leyte), Cagayan de Oro City, Isabela City (Basilan), Koronadal City (South Cotabato), and Cotabato City (BARMM). They represent diverse geographies and challenges, but share the common goal of advancing inclusive, sustainable development through circular solutions.
Director Al Orolfo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) emphasized the importance of adding ten new cities to the fold. 'Today, we do not just expand the geographic scope… but also welcome new partners to the growing EU-PH Green Economy Partnership family,' Orolfo said. This growth is a valuable contribution to the broader system that aims to reduce waste, regenerate ecosystems, and empower communities.
The first ten LGUs that the Green Economy Partnership have supported since 2024 are Baguio, Pasig, Quezon City, Caloocan, Iloilo, Ormoc, Davao, Puerto Princesa, the Island Garden City of Samal, and Del Carmen. They have already developed their Circular Economy portfolios to identify system gaps and opportunities where innovation can make a meaningful difference: ranging from plastic waste reduction and organic waste management to sustainable tourism.
Assistant Secretary Lilian de Leon of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) welcomed the onboarding of the next batch of cities as a significant step forward, noting that the increasing number of LGUs' joining the bandwagon of good governance through sustainable circular economy practices' fosters a culture of cross-learning and collaboration among key actors in the shift towards a green economy.
Under the leadership of the DILG, the United Nations Development Programme is implementing Specific Objective 2 of the Partnership to enable a circular transition at the local level.
In his message, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran stressed that welcoming the next ten cities into the Partnership is not only about expansion but about strengthening the collective journey. 'This gathering is not only about introducing new cities. It is about deepening a movement and broadening our impact: where local action, supported by national policy and international partnership, drives a just and inclusive green future for the Philippines. And in this endeavor, we are opening our celebration to more partner cities,' Ramachandran added.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring three mayors who shared how circularity has taken root in their cities, each reflecting the unique contexts of their communities.
Assistant Secretary Lillian de Leon, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, Del Carmen Municipal Mayor Alfredo Corro II, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong
Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez highlighted how Ormoc City is blending innovation with tradition in its transition to a circular economy. She shared that with EU–PH Green Economy Partnership support, Ormoc developed its comprehensive portfolio. 'Our ambition is to foster a sustainable, holistic approach that prioritizes waste reduction, minimizes waste generation, and enhances resource efficiency,' Mayor Torres-Gomez said. Through its flagship strategy: Sustainable Holistic Innovation for Circular Economy in Ormoc City (SHINE Ormoc), the city is charting a path where environmental stewardship goes hand in hand with community well-being and economic resilience.
From the island municipality of Del Carmen, Mayor Alfredo Coro II spoke of the circular economy not as a passing trend but as a future standard for all. He emphasized that while joining the 'bandwagon' is essential, true commitment means making sustained investments and leadership decisions that safeguard resources and opportunities for the next generation.
Meanwhile, Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City underscored that circular economy is not just about projects or ordinances, but about decisive leadership that delivers measurable results. 'We recognize that building a circular economy is not only about systems and policies, but also about people, culture, and the wisdom we carry forward. The most difficult objective remains behavior change—shifting mindsets and habits across institutions, barangays, and households requires patience, persistence, and above all, accountability,' he said. Magalong urged citizens to support leaders who prioritize people and nature, reminding everyone that actual progress requires both vision and urgency.
Together, these experiences offer valuable lessons, showing that circularity thrives when solutions are shaped by local contexts, backed by sustained commitment, and led with integrity. [E]
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About the EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership:
Funded by a P3.67 billion (€60 million) grant from the European Union, the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership will run from 2023-2028 in collaboration with the government of the Philippines, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This priority programme of the European Union in the Philippines links European and Filipino partners from the private sector and local governments to foster a circular economy and the reduction of plastic waste. It also aims to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy use and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Through technology transfers and investments, the programme aims to accelerate the transition to a greener economy while sustaining economic growth that benefits all Filipinos.
The EU-PH Green Economy Partnership is co-funded by Germany's Ministry for the Environment, and implemented by Germany's development agency GIZ, UNDP Philippines, Expertise France with Global Green Growth Institute, and the International Finance Corporation – a member of the World Bank Group. The Green Economy Partnership is part of EU's Global Gateway initiative - the European strategy engaging with partners globally and promoting investments around shared priorities such as the transition to a green economy and the advancement of digital infrastructure, among others.
About the EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership Specific Objective 2: Green LGUs
Specific Objective 2: Green Local Government Units (LGUs) is a key component of the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership that supports cities and municipalities in advancing inclusive, locally led circular economy (CE) transitions.
Co-led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and implemented by UNDP Philippines, the project empowers local actors to co-create circular solutions that reduce waste, regenerate ecosystems, and improve everyday systems through sustainable, community-rooted practices. It works to strengthen capacities, develop enabling policies, and unlock support across sectors—including local governments, civil society, the private sector, and marginalized groups—ensuring that circularity becomes not only practical, but part of the norm.
Press Contacts:
Charlene Erica Balaan – Natier, United Nations Development Programme
charlene.balaan@undp.org
Thelma Gecolea, EU Delegation to the Philippines
Thelma.GECOLEA@eeas.europa.eu
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