17 July 2026 – The city government has launched the Pansa-nopen Tayo Fellows Program, a city-led initiative that aims to develop and mobilize Circular Economy (CE) champions who will help promote sustainable practices in schools and communities in the city.
The program will train educators, youth and senior citizen leaders and community practitioners to become local enablers of behavioral change.
Fellows will deliver Circular Economy learning through classroom instruction, co-curricular activities, community programs and lifelong learning initiatives.
The initiative seeks to create a growing network of citizens, workers, and community leaders who will help advance Baguio’s vision of becoming a livable, inclusive, and creative city through circular economy principles.
City Planning, Development and Sustainability Coordinator and Local Circular Economy Action Team Action Officer Donna Tabangin said that building a strong foundation for the circular economy requires mentors and practitioners who can guide schools and communities.
“It takes more than just the academe to instill the values of the circular economy and make them a lifelong learning and practice,” she said.
The fellows program will establish a pool of circular economy practitioners who can provide technical guidance, mentoring and capacity-building to support the continued adoption of sustainable practices throughout the city.
Teachers are already considered fellows under the program.
Tabangin said that the city will soon open applications to educators, professionals, community leaders and other interested individuals who wish to become Pansa-nopen Tayo Fellows and help expand the city’s network of Circular Economy advocates.
“To educate is the most important part of transformation into a circular economy and through the fellows program, we are moving towards a larger network and movement to encourage lasting mindset and behavioral change that will support Baguio’s transition toward a more sustainable future,” Tabangin said. **Aileen P. Refuerzo
