PH pushes for stronger ASEAN cooperation on waste reduction and resource recovery

The Philippines will push for stronger regional cooperation on waste reduction and resource recovery as it hosts an ASEAN dialogue on the circular economy this month.

Policymakers, industry representatives, and civil society will gather for the ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy (ARDCE) in Makati on Sept. 22-23 under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship.

Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will discuss ways to move away from the “take-make-dispose” system and adopt practices that keep materials in use longer through reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, in an earlier statement, emphasized the need for a long-term solution, guided by the ASEAN Framework for Circular Economy, the ASEAN Sustainable Consumption and Production Framework, and the ASEAN Regional Action Plan on Marine Debris.

"Long-term solutions must also address the problem at its source and strengthen measures that can discourage repeated abuse of natural resources," Cuna said, citing the country's waste management framework under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act and other policy instruments.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes national circular economy policies, the role of local governments, EPR, and financing and market mechanisms that could help businesses and communities make the transition.

The Philippines will also highlight the need to include micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and informal waste workers in the shift toward more organized and expanded circular economy systems.

The Philippines said the regional effort could lead to cleaner communities, more livelihood opportunities in recycling and resource recovery, and stronger support for informal waste workers who are already involved in these activities.

“Because waste and pollution do not stop at borders, the region's response has to be shared, and the Dialogue is designed to turn that shared urgency into partnerships and investments member states can act on,” it added.

The two-day dialogue will produce an ASEAN Chair’s Summary on Circular Economy Policy and Implementation, containing key policy messages and recommendations.

The summary will be presented at the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum in October and will contribute to discussions toward the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila in November.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

-PNA / Marita Moaje