Funded under the EU Green Economy Partnership with the Philippines (GEPP) – Green LGUs project, the Community Grants and the Circular Economy Education and Behavioural Change Grants will support initiatives in ten partner local government units to reduce waste, promote inclusion, and raise environmental education. 

The grants aim to scale inclusive, grassroots initiatives focused on circular economy solutions, particularly those led by local actors and targeting the informal sector, gender, and social inclusion. 

The grants are part of the EU’s broader partnership with the Philippine government to build greener, more resilient communities. Spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Green LGUs project is co-implemented with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The launch was attended by over 230 on-site and online participants, including local officials, civil society, and development partners. 

DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian De Leon remarked, “More than just financial support, the grants recognize the significant role of the people, and partnerships and reflect a shared commitment to collaboration, capacity-building, and long-term sustainability. By leveraging the expertise and networks of civil society, and academic institutions, LGUs can lead circular economy implementation, and improve both environment and local economic resilience.”

“We recognize the immense potential of these grants in building resilient communities and promoting effective local actions to turn waste into valuable resources. Grassroots initiatives driven by communities within the cities, towns, and barangays across the Philippines are vital in making this vision a reality,” said Ileana Miritescu, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to the Philippines.

Highlighting the urgency of the transition to a greener and inclusive economy Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs of DENR Atty Jonas R. Leones outlined key focus areas: formalizing the role of the informal waste sector; promoting education and behavioural change; and mobilizing investments and incentives.

Dr Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts: “Full participation of and collaboration with LGUs and CSOs ensures the sustainability of social enterprises and cooperatives, key to advancing the Philippines transition to a circular economy.”

A key feature of the event was the presentation of each LGUs’ Circular Economy Priorities and Portfolio of Interventions––opening opportunities for interested civil society and academic partners to align their grant proposals. 

The call for grant proposals is open until 5 May 2025 through https://go.undp.org/3bX

About the EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership:

Funded by a P3.67 billion (€60 million) grant from the European Union, the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership will run from 2023-2028 with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the main implementing agency, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

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.

The EU-PH Green Partnership is co-funded by Germany's development agency GIZ, and implemented by UNDP Philippines, Expertise France with Global Green Growth Institute, 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.

Press Contacts:

Charleen Erica Balaan
United Nations Development Programme
charlene.balaan@undp.org

Thelma Gecolea
EU Delegation to the Philippines
Thelma.GECOLEA@eeas.europa.eu