Accelerating the local government’s shift toward a circular economy, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Dumangas convened municipal employees for intensive learning sessions on plastic circularity and sustainable waste practices.
Drawing from successful local and international circular economy initiatives, staff from 23 municipal offices and national government agencies mapped out actionable strategies to reduce waste and maximize resource recovery.
These included strengthening public involvement in environmental activities, reenforcing the implementation of sustainability policies, and adopting circular economy principles (refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, repurpose) across workplaces and households.
The activity is a key highlight of the municipality’s month-long observance of Philippine Environment Month organized by MENRO Dumangas in collaboration with the Iloilo Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, through its PH Plastics Circularity Project supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation.
The environment celebration will also feature Pasidungog sa Palibot 2026 on June 26, an annual recognition to honor dedicated individuals who have significantly contributed to advance the Dumangas’ flagship solid waste management programs: Basura Baylo Bugas and Project BJ (Bank your Junk).
The Environment Month observance will culminate on June 30 with a Forum on Circular Economy in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Tailored for tourism establishments and barangays, the forum will introduce the Making MICE Circular Toolkit, a practical guide developed by UNDP for local government units for applying circular practices throughout the planning, implementation, and post-event stages of meetings and events.