*MANILA, September 22, 2026 — New World Manila Bay Hotel* — The Philippines is hosting the *ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy* from *September 22-23, 2026*, bringing together more than 200 policymakers, business leaders, MSMEs, and sustainability champions from 10 ASEAN Member States.
Themed *"Circular ASEAN: Closing the Loop, Opening Opportunities,"* the two-day dialogue is organized by the *Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)* in partnership with the *EU-ASEAN Green Economy Programme, UNIDO, and the ASEAN Secretariat.*
The dialogue comes at a critical time: ASEAN generates over 50 million tons of plastic waste annually, with the Philippines identified as a major contributor to ocean plastic. At the same time, new EU and ASEAN regulations are requiring products to be designed for reuse, repair, and recycling.
*Day 1 Highlights — September 22*
Opening the dialogue, *DTI Secretary* said the circular economy is no longer an environmental advocacy but a trade imperative:
"If we want to export to Europe and to each other, we must be circular. The future ASEAN product is refillable, repairable, recyclable, and traceable."
*DENR Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones*, in charge of Policy and International Affairs, presented the Philippines' progress on *Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act* — where 800+ large companies are now required to recover their own plastic packaging. He also announced the pilot *Pasig River Interceptor Project* with The Ocean Cleanup as a model for turning recovered waste into value.
Key sessions on Day 1 included:
*Panel 1: Policy Harmonization* — Can ASEAN create one circular standard?
*Panel 2: Business Models That Work* — From refilling stations in sari-sari stores to plastic-to-school-chairs (Green Antz), PH MSMEs showcased profitable circular models.
*Panel 3: Financing Circularity* — BDO, BPI, and ADB discussed green loans for circular MSMEs.
*Day 2 Focus — September 23*
Tomorrow will focus on *LGUs as Frontliners* with DILG Undersecretaries, including *Atty. Jon Paulo V. Salvahan (Plans and Programs)* and discussions on how to integrate circularity into local solid waste management plans.
A *Circular Marketplace* at the New World Hotel lobby features 30 Filipino circular enterprises — from eco-bags made from kangkong to building materials from shredded sachets.
*Expected Outcome:*
The dialogue is expected to produce the *Manila Call to Action on Circular Economy*, a joint statement urging ASEAN to:
1. Create a regional EPR framework by 2028
2. Establish an ASEAN Circular Economy Innovation Fund for MSMEs
3. Include informal waste workers in the transition
The event at New World Hotel is open to registered participants and will be livestreamed on DTI Philippines Facebook page.
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