Baguio City’s initiatives and programs relating to circular economy, a concept where wastes are reduced and turned into resources, had impressed implementers of the Green LGUs Project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The city has been chosen as one of the pioneer local government unit grantees of the project to demonstrate the advantages of circular economy which according to the UNDP “aims to minimize waste and promote sustainable use of natural resources through smarter product design, longer use, recycling and more as well as regenerate nature (with the end in view of) helping tackle the problem on pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.”
During the Inception Workshop for the European Union-Philippines Partnership for Green Economy: Green LGUs Project held Aug. 8-9, 2024, UNDP Green LGUs Deputy Project Manager Voltaire Acosta said he was impressed that the city government was able to clearly identify the opportunities or entry points where circular economy concepts and principles can be applied.
He said that based on the city’s current initiatives relating to the circular economy as presented by City Planning Development and Sustainability Coordinator Donna Tabangin, opportunities abound in the city especially in the cultural and creativity fronts.
Interior and Local Government Asst. Secretary Lilian De Leon and Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Al Orolfo expressed confidence that the circular economy concept will sit well with the ongoing programs of the city considering the strong leadership of the city and their efforts to improve the city’s status.
De Leon said the efforts to maintain the beauty and creativity of the city show Baguio City’s readiness to take on the challenge of transforming from a linear to circular economy. She said it is doable because the city’s leadership is “true to its commitment to preserving the beauty and ensuring the health and safety of its residents and tourists.”
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the city is committed to the 10R principle of circular economy (Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, and Recover).
These principles will guide our efforts in creating a more sustainable and resilient city, embodying the creativity we aspire to in all aspects of urban life. The green economy is the future, and Baguio City is ready to lead this transformation,” he said as he rallied people to join the city government in the green economy direction:
“As we commence this Green LGUs Project, I call upon each of you to play your part in making Baguio a truly green, livable, inclusive, and creative city. Whether you’re a business owner exploring sustainable practices, an artist incorporating eco-friendly materials into your work, a student championing environmental causes, or a resident adopting green lifestyle choices – every action counts and contributes to our shared vision.”
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, chair of the city council committee on health and sanitation, ecological and environmental protection agreed that the program necessitates a “whole-of-city” approach to be successful. She said the concept had been advocated through various laws where it had been incorporated.
The city’s initiatives as presented by Tabangin and City General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan are:
*Construction of a Central Materials Recovery Facility at Dontogan barangay to complement the five existing smaller DENR-sponsored MRFs and reduce the cost of disposing wastes at outside sanitary landfill amounting to P190-P209 million.
*Implementation of Plastic and Styrofoam-free Baguio ordinance
*Operation of the Bakakeng Central electronic waste treatment, storage and disposal facility which has collected a total of 5,155 kilogram of e-waste
*Pursuit of the Baguio Resilient City Tourism Project for the upgrading of the sewage treatment project and septage management
*Programs for micro, small and medium enterprises where businesses are implementing a no plastic bag policy encouraging customers to bring reusable containers and bags reducing single-use plastic consumption’; waste management trainings for MSMEs and operation of zero waste sari-sari store
*Housing and permaculture through the Luna Terraces Socialized Housing and Permaculture project
*Nature-based solutions to flood hazards in barangays like the redevelopment of a park as a water park and net zero zone
*Blue and Green Walks programs involving the restoration of waterways and greening of roads and streets
*Energy transition through the replacement of traditional high-pressure sodium bulbs in streetlights to light-emitting diode fixtures and adoption of electric vehicle technology
*Operation of youth innovation hub where conduct of eco-consciousness workshops and inventions are promoted
*Smart City and Smart Mobility program to reduce traffic and pollution
*Creative City Program where collaboration with the city’s creatives is fostered and nurtured
*Tourism Programs where the city is making waves winning green tourism awards and passing standards on environmental management, hygiene, waste management, awareness on environmental protection and hygiene, green space, health safety, city safety and security and infrastructure and tourism facility
*Redevelopment of the former dumpsite into an eco-park
*Efforts to upgrade land use and adopt green infrastructure
*Urban agriculture, among others.
Proposed policies are: promotion of healthy green spaces/net zero zones; tax incentives for green buildings and agri areas; intensified promotion of sustainability practices by reduction of plastic use; creation of urban agriculture council to promote urban gardening and organic agriculture; and designation of inventoried green spaces and waterways as safeguarded zones. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
