The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the Philippine Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has launched a major training initiative to help local government units (LGUs) develop green infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships.
Held from September 2 to 5 in Makati City, the three-day training brought together officials from 11 LGUs across the country to learn how PPPs can be used to finance, design, and operate sustainable solid waste management systems. The activity forms part of the EU–Philippine Green Economy Partnership, supported by a PHP 3.67 billion (EUR 60 million) EU grant aimed at promoting circular economy models, renewable energy adoption, and climate resilience.
EU Programme Manager Alix Wurdak emphasized the importance of building LGU capacity in project design, financial modelling, and risk management to make PPPs more effective. PPP Center officials likewise underscored that these partnerships allow local governments to leverage private-sector expertise and capital while addressing pressing waste management challenges.
The initiative, implemented by Expertise France and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focuses on turning waste management challenges into viable, bankable projects. Selected LGUs that advance their solid waste PPP concepts will receive technical and financial assistance for feasibility studies and project implementation.
Through the EU–PH Green Economy Partnership, the EU and the Philippine government aim to accelerate the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy, strengthen local capacity for sustainable waste management, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure lasting environmental and economic benefits.
(Source: Gov.ph)
