22/09/2026
La Consolacion College Bacolod joined the Bacolod City Government in presenting local circular economy initiatives at the ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy, bringing the city’s community-based and institutional approaches to a regional platform.
The LCC Bacolod delegation highlighted the Circular Biohubs Project, an initiative led by the college and funded through the European Union-Philippines Green Economy Partnership, alongside circular economy programs presented by the city government.
The City Planning and Development Office team, headed by Dr. Jean Locsin-Ramos, bannered Bacolod City’s circular economy initiatives, including the SPROUT Project, as part of the city’s efforts toward more sustainable resource use and waste management.
During the opening, the CPDO and LCC Bacolod teams were joined by Dr. Mae Llamas, head of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office, in welcoming delegates who visited the Bacolod display booth.
Dr. Rodjhun Navarro, LCC Bacolod vice president for Research, Innovation and Linkages and project director of Circular Biohubs, said the regional dialogue provides an opportunity to demonstrate how partnerships among academic institutions, local governments and communities can translate circular economy principles into practical initiatives.
“Our participation allows us to show that circular economy can be brought down to the community level through concrete systems, partnerships and livelihood opportunities,” Navarro said. “Circular Biohubs demonstrates what becomes possible when the academe, local government, communities and development partners work together toward solutions that are both environmentally responsible and locally sustainable.”
Joining Navarro in the project team were Mariecor Palapas, project manager, and Neil Malanday, stakeholder coordinator.
The ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy is led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship and convenes stakeholders from across Southeast Asia to advance cooperation on circular economy implementation, resource efficiency, and sustainable production and consumption.
LCC Bacolod’s participation also connects the Circular Biohubs initiative with the broader EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership, a flagship program supporting the Philippines’ transition toward a green and circular economy while sustaining economic growth.
The regional gathering also provides opportunities for local governments, businesses, investors and other stakeholders from ASEAN and Europe to explore partnerships and investment opportunities related to the green and circular economy.