23/09/2026
๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌโ๐ฆ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ข๐ก๐ข๐ ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ก ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐จ๐ | The City Government of Isabela, led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, shared the cityโs local experience and initiatives in advancing the Circular Economy during the ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy 2026 on September 22 at New World Makati Hotel, Makati City, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Mayor Turabin-Hataman was invited as one of the city speakers during Session 2: โRole of Local Governments in Driving Circular Economy,โ led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as supporting development partner. She shared Isabela Cityโs experiences and perspectives on advancing the Circular Economy at the local level and later participated in the moderated panel discussion.
The discussion highlighted the role of local governments in translating national and regional policies into concrete local action, particularly through waste prevention and resource recovery, sustainable infrastructure, community engagement, and partnerships with businesses, MSMEs, and communities.
Among the initiatives highlighted in Mayor Turabin-Hatamanโs presentation were the cityโs sustainable community-based tourism initiatives, tarpaulin-to-eco-bag project, 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan, Sea Sweepers, interest-free microfinance program, Zero Waste initiatives, and BRICKS Program, among others. These initiatives demonstrate how local programs can address environmental concerns while creating opportunities for community participation, sustainable livelihoods, and more resilient communities.
The session also featured perspectives from Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina C. Belmonte, DILG Undersecretary for Local Governments Marlo Iringan and UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Mr. Christophe Bahuet, followed by case presentations from Mayor Turabin-Hataman, Dr. Giyatno, S.IP., M.Si., Expert Advisor to the Regent of Ciamis on Economic Affairs and Development from Ciamis, Indonesia, and Cung Trong Cuong Hue of the Viet Nam Government Think Tank.
The regional dialogue brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, national and local governments, the private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders to advance policy and implementation-oriented discussions on Circular Economy.
For Isabela City, the regional platform provided an opportunity to share its continuing journey toward a more circular, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable city, while learning from the experiences and initiatives of communities and partners across the region. (E.B.)
