Moving away from the linear model of “take–make–dispose,” a circular economy emphasizes resource recycling, waste minimization, and sustainability.
This was the central message at the recent symposium, “Circular Economies in Action: Localizing APEC’s Vision in the Visayas,” hosted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and Silliman University (SU).
“Our current practices prioritize resource extraction and disposal, but these are unsustainable,” said Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, SU president, as quoted in a statement from PIDS. She emphasized that transitioning to a circular system could foster innovation in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.
“We need to transition to a system where resources are used wisely, reused effectively, and kept out of landfills and waterways,” she added.
Speakers stressed the need for government-driven policies. Jovito Jose Katigbak, a sustainable practices advocate, highlighted tax breaks, grants, and subsidies as critical tools for encouraging companies to reduce waste, design for recyclability, and adopt renewable technologies.
Strong incentives would make the shift economically viable, especially for small and medium-sized enterprise or SMEs, Katigbak said, citing global examples of successful circular transitions.
Public awareness also plays a vital role, said Dr. Eylla Laire Gutierrez of the Asian Institute of Management, who emphasized educating consumers about sustainable choices to enhance the impact of circular initiatives.
Meanwhile, Dr. Enrique Oracion, SU’s director of research and development, proposed pilot programs in waste management and resource recovery to establish scalable models for municipalities nationwide.
“To truly support a circular economy, we need a robust infrastructure that ensures materials stay in use rather than ending up in landfills or oceans,” Oracion stressed.
The symposium also underscored the opportunity to align the Philippines’ circular economy initiatives with APEC’s Putrajaya Vision 2040, which prioritizes sustainable growth across member economies. Experts believe regional collaboration could position the Philippines as a sustainability leader in Southeast Asia.
