The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Expertise France (EF) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA), formalizing their partnership in advancing Strategic Objective 3 (SO3) of the P3.67 billion European Union–Green Economy Program in the Philippines (EU-GEPP).
Running until 2028, the EU-GEPP is a five-year program funded by the European Union to strengthen private and financial sector involvement in advancing a circular, waste-reduction economy.
DTI assistant secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, who supervises the DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to the EU-GEPP and cited the importance of building a green and sustainable circular economy in the Philippines.
“By reducing waste and embracing sustainable solutions, we are not only addressing environmental challenges but also unlocking economic opportunities for our industries and communities. Together, we can build an ecosystem where green investments thrive and responsible business practices are the norm,” she said.
The program aims to link European and Filipino partners in advancing a circular economy that reduces waste and carbon emissions, while also promoting green investments, creating green jobs, improving energy efficiency, supporting clean energy, and accelerating climate action for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The EU-GEPP, co-led by the DTI, EF, GGGI and the International Finance Corp. (IFC), is anchored on four strategic objectives. SO3, in particular, supports the private sector in developing green business innovations and shifting toward circular business models.
“In France, we have quite the experience in terms of circular economy, and this French touch represents an extensive experience to share and be channeled to you,” said Agence Française de Développement (AFD) country director Bénédicte Gazon
GGGI country representative Marcel Silvius underscored the importance of the MOA, saying that its initial implementation already reflects a genuine commitment, not just a declaration of intent.
“It’s a formalization—we are really happy with the collaboration and we want to continue and move towards achievement in the field of green finance and green investment in the Philippines,” he said.
As part of SO3’s initiatives, the EU-GEPP will launch the “Green Up to Scale Up” grant this year to support entrepreneurial organizations and startup enablers that assist eco-startups with innovative green business models.
