Press Releases

Mandaluyong City, Philippines — On 04 June 2026, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) convened a Luncheon Meeting with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto at the EDSA Shangri-La, bringing together members of the European-Philippine business community and key stakeholders to discuss Pasig City’s circular economy and sustainability efforts.

Among the City’s key initiatives is Pasig City’s Innovation for Circular Economy (ICE) Hub—a flagship initiative focused on plastics and organic waste management, implemented with the support and collaboration of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union, Nordic Embassies, Government of Japan, and other National Government Agencies.

While expounding on these green efforts, Mayor Sotto also shared the City’s broader vision of empowering communities, strengthening waste recovery and recycling systems, and generating employment opportunities. While recognizing the progress made, he likewise emphasized the importance of effective communication in advancing sustainability initiatives, stressing the need to engage the public—from schools to various organizations and agencies. In addition, he noted that the ultimate goal of these efforts is to improve quality of life.

“At the end of the day, everything that we're doing—green initiatives and circular economy—these are not end goals. The goal here is to improve the quality of life of Filipinos and Pasigueños… And if we all do our part, maybe sooner rather than later we will have a more inclusive economy, growth and development,” Mayor Sotto shared.

Beyond these, he highlighted the strategic partnerships that have contributed to Pasig City’s sustainable development, including collaborations with the European Union and other stakeholders that have enabled knowledge exchange and technical cooperation. One example is the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership Program (GEPP), of which Pasig City is a beneficiary of more than EUR 400,000 or almost PHP 35 million.

He also encouraged key stakeholders to engage in initiatives that support local government units and communities in advancing sustainability, stating: “If we have partners like you, then we'll be able to do so much more because we can learn from you. You can bring in your expertise.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Tsvetomir Svilenov, Programme Manager for Green Economy, Sustainable Energy and Regional Connectivity at the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, echoed the Mayor’s message and reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting circular economy initiatives. He added: “If we do not create local drivers for change, none of this will drive local economies.”

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Mayor Sotto and representatives from the public and private sectors, who shared insights on the challenges and sustainable solutions within local communities and beyond.

Joining the discussion were BOI Investment Policy and Planning Service Director Sandra Marie S. Recolizado; Metpower Venture Partners Holdings Inc. (METPower) President and CEO Mr. Jose Maria Niño Jesus P. Madara; and Race to Net Zero Philippines Campaign Lead Ms. Dawn Cabigon. The session was moderated by Mr. Tom Van Der Meulen, ECCP Agriculture Committee Co-chair and Managing Director at Control Union.

Through this event, the Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating dialogue and partnerships between the public and private sectors to advance sustainability, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

The meeting was joined by Dr. Diana Edralin, ECCP President, and Mr. Albert Perez, ECCP Treasurer.

The ECCP’s Luncheon Meeting on Circular Economy with Mayor Vico Sotto was made possible through the support of Event Patron METPower Venture Partners and Table Top Partner Race to Net Zero Philippines.