Makati: The Philippines will advocate 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 September 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized the need for a long-term solution, guided by frameworks such as the ASEAN Framework for Circular Economy, the ASEAN Sustainable Consumption and Production Framework, and the ASEAN Regional Action Plan on Marine Debris. Cuna noted the importance of addressing the problem at its source and implementing measures to discourage the repeated abuse of natural resources, referencing the country's waste management framework under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act and other policy instruments.
The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes discussions on national circular economy policies, the role of local governments, EPR, and financing and market mechanisms that could help businesses and communities transition. The Philippines will also underscore the importance of including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and informal waste workers in the shift toward more organized and expanded circular economy systems.
The Philippines stated that the regional effort could lead to cleaner communities, more livelihood opportunities in recycling and resource recovery, and stronger support for informal waste workers already involved in these activities. The dialogue aims to transform shared urgency into partnerships and investments that member states can act on, as waste and pollution transcend borders.
The two-day dialogue will culminate in an ASEAN Chair's Summary on Circular Economy Policy and Implementation, containing key policy messages and recommendations. This summary will be presented at the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum in October and will contribute to discussions at the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila in November.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
