LGU and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist Ms. Erika Erro of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who is part of the implementation team of the European Union – Philippines (EU-PH) Green Economy Partnership, a European Union Funded program paid a courtesy visit to DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III and Assistant Regional Director Ana-Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV on July 14, 2025 at the DILG-NCR Regional Office.

In the discussion, the EU-GEPP initiative is centered around the circular economy model that aims to decrease the utilization of raw materials, reduce waste production and fewer emissions. Apart from the usual recycling process, the circular economy is aiming to not just reuse the recyclable materials, but it also advocates for a lesser use of raw materials and transitioning into an alternative and sustainable materials in the market. These efforts are also gearing towards climate change policies and reduction of the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. 

As of this writing, Local Government Units (LGUs) of Pasig, Quezon City and Caloocan of the National Capital Region (NCR) have been identified to participate in the Green LGUs Project. This aims to enhance the capacities and practices of the LGUs on circular waste economy in collaboration with private and civil society organizations, with focus on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) groups. With the assistance from the UNDP, workshops have been facilitated to craft action plans focusing on innovations in waste reduction and Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) in each locality. 

Together with the Local Government Development Capacity Development Division (LGCDD) Acting Division Chief, Luigi D.C. Pilarta, he significantly discussed points for collaboration, especially in mainstreaming Green Economy not just in the selected LGUs but also across the region.  

During the courtesy call, the conduct of the Circular Economy (CE) 101 within the NCR has been discussed to share knowledge to LGUs in developing their solid waste management system in each locality. Lastly, DILG-NCR expressed its support in making the region go green and to consistently initiate programs towards reinforcement of resilient communities through a clean and safe environment.