MANILA, Philippines – A delegation from the Philippines, representing both local and national government, visited Sweden and Denmark for a study visit on circular economy, and the use of technologies to pursue sustainability, the Embassy of Denmark in Manila stated.
The delegation, comprised of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the City of Government of Pasig, visited companies to learn about best practices from Nordic countries as global leaders in “circularity.”
During the reception dinner, hosted by Philippine Ambassador to Sweden H.E. Patrick Chuasotto, he highlighted the opportunities for Filipino stakeholders to learn from Scandinavia’s strong tradition of sustainability.
“This collective tradition for sustainable practices was well showcased at LOOP Forum where the delegates witnessed firsthand some of the most innovative technologies by Nordic companies towards a circular economy,” the Danish Embassy mentioned.
During the visit, the delegates were able to discuss relevant key issues for the Philippine circular economy agenda, such as extended producers’ responsibility, deposit return system, and waste and waste water management.
According to the Embassy, the Philippine government representatives visited, among others, Amager Bakke (also known as Copenhill) which sustainably combines a waste-to-energy facility with a recreational skiing area in Denmark, the Sjöstadsverket Water Innovation Centre in Sweden, one of the world’s leading research and development facilities, and a reverse vending machine made by Norwegian company TOMRA where delegates returned beverage bottles and cans themselves at a local supermarket.
The study visit also presented the implementation of circular economy at a local level through in depth discussions and demonstration of installed technologies in Copenhagen and Stockholm particularly on efficient and smart waste collection system, the Embassy stated.
The Philippine delegation also noted the successful model of “cross-sectoral collaboration” that drives not only innovation, but also “social behavioral change”, one of the most critical factors in achieving a circular economy.
“The Nordic study visit showcased how innovation, policy, and community engagement seamlessly converge to drive sustainable urban transformation,” according to representatives from DOST.
Meanwhile, representatives from Pasig City emphasized that investing in technology and capital-intensive infrastructure is achievable if industries, civil society, and the academe have a “unified vision of the common good.”
The week-long study visit on circular economy was organized by the Nordic Embassies in the Philippines, through the support of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
