The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) joined the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and partner agencies in advancing the country’s shift toward a circular economy during the High-Level Interagency Roundtable on the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF) held in Metro Manila recenly.

 

Representing the Department, Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon reaffirmed the DILG’s commitment to strengthening local governance and improving basic service delivery through sustainable and environment-responsive policies at the local level.

 

In her Statement of Commitment, Asec. De Leon said the DILG will maximize local mandates, performance systems, and monitoring mechanisms to help ensure that circular economy principles are integrated into local governance, particularly in improving waste management and promoting resource efficiency across local government units (LGUs).

 

The roundtable gathered key national government leaders, including DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., and TESDA Secretary and Director General Jose Francisco B. Benitez, alongside representatives from various agencies.

 

The initiative forms part of the DENR-led program supported by the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership under the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative.

 

The DILG reaffirmed its support for stronger interagency collaboration to translate national environmental policies into concrete and sustainable action at the community level, recognizing LGUs as key drivers in building cleaner, smarter, and more resilient communities.