MANILA, Philippines (06 March 2025). The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), as part of the European Union - Philippines Green Economy Partnership, gathered key stakeholders in a Nationwide Public Consultation, marking a significant step in implementing the Republic Act 11898, or the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.
Building on the insights from our series of consultations on the EPR Procedural Manual, this event culminates in our shared goal of a stronger and more effective EPR system.
"This gathering marks an important step towards strengthening policy implementation and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable waste management in the Philippines. Following a series of consultations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, we now convene to consolidate our learnings, insights, and contributions into the development of this crucial Procedural Manual for the EPR," said EMB OIC Assistant Director and concurrent National Ecology Center Head, Engr. Esperanza Sajul.
This nationwide consultation, a testament to collaborative governance and stakeholder engagement, marks a pivotal moment in the Philippines' journey towards a circular economy. By synthesizing the diverse perspectives and valuable contributions from across the regions and at the national level, the final Procedural Manual will serve as a robust blueprint for implementing the EPR Act. This collective effort not only strengthens the EPR framework but also solidifies a shared vision of safeguarding the nation's environment and natural resources for generations to come.
Dr. Johann Leonardia, GIZ Philippines Senior Advisor for EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, emphasized the significance of this milestone in strengthening the EPR scheme. "As we wrap up this series of discussions, our collective goal remains clear: to provide producers with clearer, more effective guidance on their roles and responsibilities under EPR. The lessons we have gathered will help shape a more robust and inclusive implementation framework," he stated.
This initiative is part of EU-PH Green Economy Partnership under Specific Objective 1: Policy and Alliances, co-funded by the European Union (€12 million) and German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (€1 million), with GIZ and DENR-EMB co-leading efforts to drive policy development and build strong partnerships.
Background Information
Funded by a P3.67 billion (€60 million) grant from the European Union, the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership will run from 2023–2028 in collaboration with the government of the Philippines, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This priority programme of the European Union in the Philippines links European and Filipino partners from the private sector and local governments to foster a circular economy and the reduction of plastic waste. It also aims to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy use and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Through technology transfers and investments, the programme aims to accelerate the transition to a greener economy while sustaining economic growth that benefits all Filipinos.
Implemented by Germany’s development agency GIZ, Expertise France with Global Green Growth Institute, UNDP Philippines, and the International Finance Corporation – a member of the World Bank Group, the programme is part of EU’s Global Gateway initiative – the European strategy engaging with partners globally and promoting investments around shared priorities such as the transition to a green economy and the advancement of digital infrastructure, among others.