Borongan: The city government of Borongan is exploring coordination with the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership to strengthen its transition toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible local economy. The proposed collaboration was discussed during a meeting on Aug. 13, at Borongan City Hall between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), its partner agencies, and the local government.

According to Philippines News Agency, the city government said in a statement on Friday that the meeting focused on the objectives and priority programs of the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, particularly initiatives aimed at helping local governments adopt greener and more sustainable practices. Implemented by the UNDP with the European Union and Philippine government partners, the program seeks to support the country's shift toward a circular and green economy by reducing plastic and other forms of waste, promoting resource efficiency, improving energy efficiency, and expanding the use of clean and renewable energy.

Borongan City was identified by the UNDP as a potential partner in Eastern Samar because of its existing programs on sustainable development and environmental stewardship. "The partnership is expected to complement the city's existing environmental initiatives while opening opportunities to develop and strengthen projects aligned with the green economy agenda," the city government stated.

Among Borongan's ongoing sustainability efforts are renewable energy initiatives, community forestry, climate adaptation programs, and environmental conservation measures, including mangrove planting and the deployment of former loggers as forest rangers. The EU-PH Green Economy Partnership runs from 2023 to 2028 and is supported by a 60 million euro grant from the European Union. Its broader objective is to help the Philippines build an economy that uses resources more efficiently, generates less waste, and relies increasingly on clean energy.

For Borongan, the proposed partnership presents an opportunity to scale up its existing environmental efforts and align local development more closely with the country's broader transition toward a green economy.