The city government, on July 6, 2026, formalized a farm-to-table circular economy supply chain partnership with four local farmers’ organizations and Newtown Plaza Hotel to advance the city’s circular economy program while promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening local food security.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed among the city government, led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong; the Bilis Sto. Tomas Central Farmers’ Livelihood Association, the Benin Farmers’ Association, the Happy Hallow Farmers’ Association, and the Panbiagan Di Umili Organization, represented by their respective presidents Solomon Lang-ay, Dominador Galian, William Damian, and Brelyn Kibasen; and Newtown Plaza Hotel, represented by Managing Head Kenneth So.
The partnership is part of the city’s Pansa-nopen Tayo circular economy program under the European Union–Philippines Green Economy Partnership. It aims to establish a closed-loop food system by connecting local farmers directly with the hotel, which will source fresh vegetables, legumes, coffee, and other agricultural products from the participating associations.
Under the agreement, Newtown Plaza Hotel will procure locally grown produce, integrate it into its food services, and properly segregate food waste generated from its operations. The City Government will collect and process the organic waste using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology and composting facilities before converting it into organic fertilizer for use by the farmers, completing the circular supply chain.
The city said the initiative is expected to reduce food waste, minimize environmental impacts, promote sustainable farming practices, and create green jobs in agriculture, waste management, and resource recovery.
By virtue of the MOU, the participating farmers’ organizations will produce and regularly supply fresh, safe, and sustainably grown vegetables, legumes, coffee, and other agricultural products while adopting climate-resilient and circular farming practices. They will also provide crop forecasts, maintain production records, and use organic fertilizers produced from processed food waste whenever feasible.
Newtown Plaza Hotel is committed to purchasing agricultural products from local farmers, incorporating them into its food services, reducing food waste through efficient inventory management, properly segregating organic waste for collection, and promoting sustainable sourcing and circular economy practices to its guests.
The city government, through the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO), will provide technical assistance to farmers to improve production, quality, and sustainability. The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) will collect segregated food waste from the hotel and process it into organic fertilizer through the city’s Black Soldier Fly facility. The General Services Office (GSO) will monitor waste reduction efforts and conduct waste audits, while the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO) will develop circular business models, foster partnerships, and promote green jobs to expand the city’s circular economy initiatives.
The MOU will remain effective for 12 months and may be renewed upon mutual agreement of the parties following an evaluation of the project’s implementation.** Aileen P. Refuerzo
