The Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, Christian Halaas Lyster, announced that Norway is collaborating with Philippine agencies and local stakeholders to promote a circular economy in the country, aiming to reduce waste generation.
Feasibility Study and NGO Partnerships
Lyster stated that they have been working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on a feasibility study to be shared with Davao City, where environmental groups have been advocating for a circular economy. He also mentioned partnerships with non-government organizations (NGOs) in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) to boost circular economy efforts. These NGOs are upcycling and recycling waste to generate income.
Cash-Back System Proposal
Lyster suggested implementing a cash-back system similar to Norway's successful model, where the public can return plastic bottles to earn points redeemable for items like a sack of rice. He noted that this system could be upscaled to assist local governments in recovering more plastics. The most challenging aspect of waste management, he said, is retrieving plastic that often ends up in the ocean.
Lyster acknowledged the presence of informal waste management industries in the Philippines and emphasized the need to legitimize them to create formal jobs. He expressed hope that this informal sector would be integrated into the formal economy.
Continued Collaboration and Awareness
Norway plans to continue working with national and local governments to promote circular economy initiatives. A circular economy seminar is being organized in Manila, inviting local stakeholders to raise awareness.
Local Initiatives in Davao
Davao City-based environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) has been promoting a circular economy to reduce waste generation. IDIS supports associations like Toril Kalambuan Association and Mintal Resource Collectors’ Association (MiRCA), which are advocates of circular economy practices. The group has also expanded its efforts to Igacos, supporting local communities through organizations such as Sinagtalang Hardin Adi Sa Pu ng Samal and Hugpong Mangagawa sa Isla.
To solidify these efforts, the local government of Igacos proposed a Circular Economy Ordinance to further reduce waste generation on the island.
What is a Circular Economy?
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a circular economy aims to reduce waste and sustainably use natural resources through smarter product design, longer use, recycling, and regenerating nature. It also helps address climate change and biodiversity loss. Unlike the linear economy—where resources are extracted, used, and discarded—a circular economy eliminates waste, keeps resources in use as long as possible, and regenerates natural ecosystems.
UNDP reports that global material use has risen 65 percent in the past two decades, with increasing food loss, food waste, and mismanaged electronic waste. If current trends continue, resource demand could require three Earths by 2050, highlighting the urgent need to transition to a circular economy for long-term sustainability.
