THE European Union (EU) and the Philippines have launched two community grant programs to finance circular economy solutions focusing on informal sector and gender beneficiaries.
The grants are funded by the EU Green Economy Partnership with the Philippines, which is backed by a P3.67-billion (60 million euro) grant from the EU, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said in a statement on Wednesday.
The partnership began in 2023 and will run until 2028.
“More than just financial support, the grants recognize the significant role of the people and partnerships and reflect a shared commitment to collaboration, capacity-building, and long-term sustainability. By leveraging the ex-pertise and networks of civil society, and academic institutions, LGUs (local government units) can lead circular economy implementation, and improve both environment and local economic resilience,” Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. de Leon said.
The EU and the Philippines will launch community grants and circular economy education and behavioral change grants that will support initiatives in 10 partner LGUs aimed at reducing waste, promoting inclusion, and raising environmental education.
Environment department Policy, Planning and International Affairs Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones said the grants will focus on institutionalizing the role of the informal waste sector.
“The grants are part of the EU’s broader partnership with the Philippine government to build greener, more resilient communities. Spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Green LGUs project is co-implemented with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the United Nations Development Programme,” the UNDP said.
The UNDP is accepting grant proposals until May 5.
“Full participation of and collaboration with LGUs and CSOs ensures the sustainability of social enterprises and cooperatives, key to advancing the Philippines transition to a circular economy,” UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran said.
The EU-Philippine Green Partnership is co-funded by Germany’s development agency GIZ, and implemented by UNDP Philippines, Expertise France with Global Green Growth Institute, and the International Finance Corp. — Aaron Michael C. Sy