Metro Manila, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), launched a new project titled “Reduction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Unintentional POPs (UPOPs) through Integrated Sound Management of Chemicals” in Quezon City.

This project marks a critical milestone in the country’s continued implementation of its commitments under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which the Philippines ratified in 2004. POPs are some of the most hazardous chemicals ever produced, known for their persistence in the environment, ability to bioaccumulate, and serious threats to human health and ecosystems. Despite global efforts to phase them out, many of these toxic substances continue to be present in industrial processes, waste streams, and everyday consumer products.

The inception workshop convened key stakeholders from national government agencies, industry, civil society, development finance institutions, and the international development community. The activity serves as the formal start of the project implementation, and as a platform to introduce the project’s objectives, strategy, and planned outcomes. 

The POPs and UPOPs Project seeks to eliminate 192.5 tons of industrial POPs  from critical value chains, particularly in manufacturing industries that are still using hazardous substances such as  polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs),  Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Pentafluoro octane sulphonates and their derivatives (PFOS), and Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD). It targets to promote the adoption of Green Chemistry principles in Philippine industries and support the establishment of an innovative financing mechanism known as FREE-ME—short for Financing the Roadmap for the Environmental Enhancement of Manufacturing Enterprises. This mechanism is designed to help enterprises, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), access green financing to adopt safer alternatives and cleaner technologies.

In his message, Hon. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, CESO I, Undersecretary for Field Operations and Supervising Undersecretary for EMB and MGB - Luzon and Visayas, specifically highlighted that “the project supports the Philippines' implementation of the Stockholm Convention, which we ratified in 2004, to reduce and eliminate hazardous substances known for their toxicity, persistence, and transboundary impacts. These include substances such as PFOS, PBDEs, SCCPs, and UPOPs generated from open burning and industrial activities — chemicals that pose significant threats to both human health and environmental systems.”

Another major component of the project is to support the Government in designing and piloting the country’s first Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR), which will strengthen national capacity to track chemical use and toxic emissions in key industrial facilities transparently and improve public access to this information.  Complementary efforts will include enhancing regulatory and enforcement systems, improving customs controls, building awareness, and mainstreaming gender and social inclusion across project activities.

“The project supports DENR’s vision by strengthening the enabling environment for chemical management, bridging policy with implementation, elevating safeguards across industries, and addressing legacy and emerging industrial chemical risks. The partnership with GEF and UNDP demonstrates how global financing supports local impact through building institutional capacity, enhancing technical solutions, and facilitating critical cross-sectoral collaboration for long-term environmental protection,” said Hon. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, CESO I, Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change and GEF Operational Focal Point

In his message, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran emphasized the urgency of transitioning to a toxic-free, low-carbon, and circular economy. He noted that the project aligns with key development priorities of both the Philippine Government and UNDP, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action targets under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and broader efforts to promote sustainable consumption and production.

The project is expected to benefit over 1.9 million Filipinos through reduced exposure to hazardous substances, creation of greener jobs, and stronger environmental governance. It also offers long-term benefits to Philippine industries, including enhanced competitiveness through cleaner supply chains, increased investor and consumer trust, and readiness for evolving environmental regulations.

The launch and inception workshop kicked off project activities and fostered a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

The UNDP and DENR-EMB reiterated that the project's success depends on the collective commitment of the government, private sector, civil society, and local communities. By embedding sustainability and safety at the heart of industrial development, the Philippines is taking a bold step toward a more resilient and inclusive future. 

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