15/04/2026
City officials and development partners highlighted the convergence of local initiatives during the inception workshop of the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership Circular Biohubs Project on April 14, underscoring how existing programs can reinforce circular economy efforts.
Mary Jean Locsin-Ramos, head of the City Planning and Development Office, presented the Sustainable Program for Resilient and Optimum Urban Transformation (SPROUT) as a complementary initiative that aligns with the goals of the Circular Biohubs Project.
She said the program, implemented by the City Government of Bacolod in partnership with IF Green Technologies and community stakeholders, transforms idle and underutilized spaces into productive urban farms across the cityโs 61 barangays.
Locsin-Ramos emphasized that SPROUT supports urban greening, sustainability and livelihood generation, while also contributing to broader climate action efforts.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, integrating green technologies and sustainable farming practices to improve environmental outcomes and community well-being.
Workshop participants highlighted that linking SPROUT with Circular Biohubs interventionsโsuch as organic waste processing and compost utilizationโcan strengthen local systems by creating a closed-loop approach to waste and food production.
The presentation underscored the importance of harmonizing existing city programs with new project interventions, as Bacolod advances integrated and community-driven solutions for sustainable urban development.
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Funded by a P3.67 billion (โฌ60 million) grant from the European Union in the Philippines, the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership is part of EUโs Global Gateway initiative - the European strategy engaging with partners globally and promoting investments around shared priorities such as the transition to a green economy. Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this priority programme of the EU in the Philippines links European and Filipino partners from the private sector and the local government to foster a circular economy while sustaining economic growth that benefits all Filipinos.
The Policy and Alliances component of the programme โ co-funded with a โฌ12 million grant from the European Union and a โฌ1 million contribution from the International Climate Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety and implemented by GIZ Philippines and the Pacific Island Countries and EMB Central Office support policy development and fosters strong partnerships.โ
Learn more at: www.greeneconomy.ph