BAGUIO CITY – City officials are preparing to host the Circular Tourism Summit 2026, scheduled for March 30 and 31, 2026, as part of a broader initiative to foster a sustainable local economy and address pressing waste management challenges. The summit, themed “Weaving a Circular Tourism Economy,” aims to connect tourism stakeholders with innovative solutions and promote environmentally responsible practices within the industry. This event underscores a growing global movement toward circular economies, which prioritize reducing waste and maximizing resource utilization.
The initiative is deeply rooted in Baguio City’s Pansa-Nopen Tayo Program, launched on January 31, 2025, which represents a deliberate shift away from the traditional “take-make-waste” linear model. The program seeks to build a more resilient and sustainable economic future for the city, known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” and a popular tourist destination. The city’s commitment to this transition was solidified by its selection as one of 20 local government units to receive a grant from the European Union-Philippines (EU-PH) Green Economy Partnership. The EU-PH Green Economy Partnership is a five-year initiative focused on enhancing waste management, accelerating renewable energy deployment, and supporting the circular economy at the local level.
Focus on Micro, Little, and Medium Enterprises
A key focus of the summit will be assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – the backbone of Baguio’s tourism sector – in adopting circular economy principles. City officials recognize that widespread participation from these businesses is crucial for achieving meaningful and lasting change. The summit will provide a platform for raising awareness about the benefits of circularity, identifying practical waste management solutions, and forging connections between businesses and innovators specializing in upcycling and green technologies.
Jonathan Co, project head of Sentinel Upcycling Technologies, is slated to deliver the keynote address. Co’s work centers on transforming waste materials into valuable products, demonstrating the economic potential of circularity. Sentinel Upcycling Technologies has been recognized for its innovative approach to waste reduction and resource recovery. His insights are expected to inspire attendees and provide concrete examples of successful circular economy models.
The Circular Solutions Marketplace
A central component of the summit will be the Circular Solutions Marketplace, designed to facilitate direct interaction between hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and providers of recycling and waste management services. This marketplace aims to streamline the process of finding and implementing sustainable solutions for businesses, addressing a common barrier to adoption – the difficulty of connecting with the right partners. The goal is to create a localized ecosystem where waste is viewed not as a problem, but as a resource.
The EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, co-led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been instrumental in supporting Baguio’s circular economy efforts. The program provides technical assistance, funding, and capacity-building support to help local governments implement sustainable practices. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is also involved in the implementation of the initiative.
Mayor Magalong Emphasizes Leadership and Results
Mayor Benjamin Magalong has consistently emphasized the importance of strong leadership and tangible results in driving the circular economy agenda. He has stated that the city government is committed to creating a supportive environment for businesses to adopt sustainable practices and to holding itself accountable for achieving measurable progress. “We need to move beyond simply talking about sustainability and start demonstrating concrete action,” Magalong said in a recent statement.
The city’s commitment extends beyond tourism. Officials say the summit is part of a larger, ongoing effort to reduce overall waste generation and promote a more resilient local economy capable of withstanding future challenges. This includes investments in waste segregation infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and incentives for businesses that prioritize sustainability.
Looking Ahead: A Regional Model for Sustainability
Baguio City’s efforts to embrace a circular economy are being closely watched by other local governments in the Philippines. The success of the Pansa-Nopen Tayo Program and the upcoming summit could serve as a model for other cities and municipalities seeking to transition to more sustainable economic models. The city is actively sharing its experiences and best practices with other local governments through workshops and knowledge-sharing events.
The next key milestone for the city’s circular economy program is a progress review scheduled for December 2025, where officials will assess the implementation of the Pansa-Nopen Tayo program and identify areas for improvement. Further details about the Circular Tourism Summit 2026, including registration information and a detailed agenda, will be released in the coming months. The city encourages stakeholders to stay informed and participate in this important initiative.
We invite you to share your thoughts on Baguio City’s circular economy initiatives and the potential for sustainable tourism in the Philippines. Your feedback is valuable as we continue to report on this evolving story.
