TThe Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) hosted the presentation of the ECOWAVE Project: Circular Economy Pathways for Waste Valorization on Tuesday, November 11, at the Bacolod City Government Center. The event gathered representatives from the city government, environmental agencies, and academic and international partners to discuss sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives.
On behalf of Mayor Greg G. Gasataya, Councilor Hon. Jude Thaddeus A. Sayson, chairperson of the Committees on Appropriations and Finance, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Cooperatives and Livelihood, delivered the mayor’s message of support. Sayson underscored the city’s continuing efforts to strengthen policies and partnerships for inclusive environmental governance and community-based sustainability programs.
The event was graced by Dr. Katharina Raab and Prof. Dr. Ralf Wagner of the University of Kassel, Ms. Heike Gundlich of the Hessian Ministry for Agriculture and Environment, Viticulture, Forestry, Hunting, and Homeland Affairs, Ms. Gabriele Kohlisch and Mr. Terence Dacles of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Atty. Allyn Luv Zamora-Dignadice, Head of BENRO, welcomed the participants, while Dr. Rodjhun B. Navarro, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Linkages of La Consolacion College Bacolod, presented the project’s objectives and the institution’s role in the collaboration. Mr. Terence Dacles of GIZ Philippines delivered a partner message underscoring the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation in advancing circular economy initiatives. The ECOWAVE Project seeks to build sustainable waste management systems that empower women in the informal waste sector and minimize waste leakage through circular economy-based interventions.
During the presentation, Dr. Raab outlined the project’s research-based framework, while Prof. Wagner emphasized the value of academic and government collaboration in promoting environmental innovation. Ms. Gundlich shared the Hessian Ministry’s support for international cooperation in environmental protection and resource management.
The program also featured messages from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR–EMB) and the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), represented by Dr. Jean Locsin-Ramos.
Representing LCC were Sr. Irene M. Bancolo, OSA, Vice President for Finance and General Services, and Sr. Jonilyn V. Florentino, OSA, Head of Physical Plant and General Services.
Councilor Hon. Homer Bais delivered the closing message, commending BENRO and its partners for initiating projects that align with Bacolod’s vision of becoming a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city.
The event concluded with a photo opportunity and reaffirmed the commitment of the City Government of Bacolod and its partners to advance sustainable development through collaborative action.