Bacolod City, Philippines – Professor Dr. Ralf Wagner and Dr. Katharina Raab of the University of Kassel, Germany, recently reported to Sister President Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA of La Consolacion College Bacolod the successful outcome of their collaborative research project on the Assessment and Management of Plastic Waste Streams and their Leakages in Bacolod City.
The project, supported by LCCB, also focused on organizing and strengthening the capacity of the Informal Waste Sector, a majority of whom are women. The findings of the research were formally submitted to the local government of Bacolod City and the Hessian Ministry in Germany, both of which expressed appreciation for the project’s impact on waste management and environmental sustainability.
The initiative aligns with LCC Bacolod’s long-standing advocacy for sustainable waste management. Over the years, the college has actively engaged in projects promoting the circular economy, alternative livelihoods for waste pickers, and institutional collaborations for environmental education. The research team emphasized the role of waste pickers in mitigating plastic pollution, highlighting the need for social inclusion and economic support to improve their working conditions.
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬
Dr. Raab shared that the Hessian Ministry is interested in supporting further development initiatives in Bacolod, particularly in advancing the circular economy, waste reduction, and greenhouse gas emission management.
During the meeting, Mr. Terence Dacles of GIZ Philippines introduced the Green Economy Programme in the Philippines (GEPP), a multi-sector initiative aimed at fostering environmental sustainability and economic resilience. The GEPP focuses on local government action, private sector engagement, and renewable energy deployment as part of its key areas of intervention.
Another project proposed by the University of Kassel involves the management of electronic waste (e-waste) in Bacolod City. Under this initiative, LCCB and UniKassel will collaborate to establish processing centers and provide capability-building programs for proper e-waste handling.
Sister President Flolyn welcomed the proposals, affirming LCCB’s commitment to sustainable development and collaboration with UniKassel and GIZ in implementing these projects.
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 21, 2025
To kickstart the new initiatives, an Inception Workshop will be held on February 21, 2025, bringing together stakeholders from the government, academe, business, and civil society. The workshop aims to refine the organic waste management demonstration project and facilitate multi-sector discussions on sustainability strategies.
Also present at the meeting were Dr. Rodjhun Navarro, focal person of LCCB’s research project with UniKassel, and Ms. Maricel Jarencio of the 3RProMar project implemented by GIZ Philippines.
With these new developments, Bacolod City is poised to become a model for sustainable waste management and circular economy practices, strengthening its environmental policies while ensuring economic opportunities for marginalized communities.